Susi Pudjiastuti's Disappointment After The Susi Air Plane Was Evicted From The Malinau Hangar

Illustration. (photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The incident of the Susi Air plane which was forcibly evicted from Colonel RA Bessing Malinau Airport by the Malinau Regency Government, North Kalimantan, has been attracting public attention since yesterday. Susi Air's attorney, Donal Fariz, said that his client was very disappointed with the attitude of the Malinau Regency government.

In fact, as a pioneering airline, Susi Air has benefited many parties in North Kalimantan and its surroundings. "Susi Air is disappointed with the attitude of the Malinau Regency Government for forcibly removing aircraft and other equipment from the airport hangar," Donal told VOI, Thursday, February 3.

According to Donal, from the beginning there were indications that the Regent of Malinau, Wempi W Mawa, would give the hangar lease to another party and not extend the lease with Susi Air. Because, in November 2021, Susi Air had asked for an extension to the Regent of Malinau, but it was rejected on the grounds that it would be used for other needs.

When confirmed to the Regent of Malinau, said Donal, the Regent said that he had never received a letter of request from Susi Air. Donal considered this an odd response even though the refusal was signed directly by the Regent.

"Later we learned that the hangar rental has been given since December 2021 to other parties who are not actually serving pioneer flights financed by the APBN and APBD. So it becomes irrational when the hangar is given to parties who do not need it," he explained.

Donal also explained that Susi Air had submitted a request for a time to move goods for three months. This is due to the existence of aircraft that are in the process of engine maintenance abroad and a lot of work equipment.

"However, this again did not get a good response from the local government. As a result of this action, it will certainly harm Susi Air's operations. The result will also have an impact on Susi Air's services to the people of North Kalimantan and its surroundings," he said.

As is known, the owner of PT ASI Pudjiastuti Aviation or Susi Air, Susi Pudjiastuti said that she did not know why her plane was forcibly evicted. In fact, said Susi, since November 2021, her party has applied for an extension of the lease permit, but it was rejected.

According to Susi, her party rented the hangar at the airport with the code LNU for 10 years. This airline serves regular and pioneer flight routes to the North Kalimantan region and the hinterland.

"Power.. authority.. so great.. What have you done for 10 years of flying & serving the hard-to-reach area of Kaltara, it turns out," wrote Susi, quoted from her personal Twitter social media @susipudjiastuti, Thursday, February 3.

As for the extension of the lease, because there are still aircraft that have not completed the maintenance process in the near future. But the permit has not been granted.

Susi Air also experienced forced evictions in Nabire, Papua in 2010. The former Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries also explained that Susi Air had experienced a similar incident in Nabire, Papua in 2010. This forced eviction was motivated by the fact that the local Regent's aide did not get a seat. Because tickets are sold out.

"I remember what happened in 2010 when Susi Air was expelled from Nabire because the regent was angry that her aide couldn't get a seat because the tickets had already been sold. We didn't want to offer it on the second flight, so we ended up leaving. It seems that business and investment in the area still depends on the regional government," wrote Susi.