KSAU Fadjar Ensures El Tari Kupang Air Base Is Not A Permanent Place For Combat Aircraft

Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo (left) chatted with the Commander of the 226 Radar Unit (Satrad) Lt. Col. Lek Muh. Sarwo Edi (center)/ANTARA

KUPANG - Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) Marshal TNI Fadjar Prasetyo confirmed that the El Tari Kupang Air Base (Lanud), East Nusa Tenggara was not used as a permanent place for fighter aircraft bases. "Jadi keberadaan Lanud El Tari yang lokatnya dekar radar Buraen ini hanya bersifat untuk latihan saja, tidak dijadikan kandang atau homebase pesawat tempur,” katanya di Kupang dikutip dari Antara, Senin, 19 Maret. This was conveyed by the KSAU regarding the development plan at El Tari Air Base in order to support air defense in the southern part of Indonesia which borders the two countries Timor Leste and Australia. He said the existence of El Tari Air Base is currently being used in the event of an escalation that endangers the nation and state. “ Furthermore, at this time our relationship (Indonesia) with neighboring countries is fine. So I want to convey that the placement of aircraft at El Tari Air Base is only for training,” he said. KSAU came to Kupang in order to make a working visit and will conduct a national stunting prevention declaration, all of which will be centered at the NTT Governor's Office. He also came to review the defense equipment owned by the Indonesian Air Force in the NTT region, especially in Kupang City and Kupang Regency which has Radar. He also ensured that the Radar in Kupang Regency was still operating well, even though it was old. And it is planned to be replaced soon.