TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The city government of Batu, East Java, have added another tourism object in its region. This time its a MiG-17 jet fighter monument and a giant painting inaugurated by Batu Mayor Eddy Rumpoko on Monday, April 20.
The inauguration of the monument is conducted in the area of Gelora Brantas Stadium, Sultan Agung Street, in Batu City. The jet was a donation from Abdulrachman Saleh Airbase. “There will also be other fighter monuments to come,” Eddy said.
The monument, aside from displaying the vigorous of military power, also displays the history of the aircraft. The purpose is that society will recognize its flagship fighters. “Rather than being put in the warehouse, its better to turn it into a monument so the people would know their fighters,” said Eddy.
The giant painting created by seven Batu artists was also inaugurated to beautify the city of Batu. The monument and painting are expected to attract more tourists to visit the Batu City.
Batu admininstration now officially owns Batu Library that has a collection of various book types, especially general knowledge books on tourism and organic farming. “So the residents of Batu could see the fighter monument and read books in the city park,” Eddy said.
Abdulrachman Saleh Airbase Commander First Marshal Sungkono said the MiG-17 fighter was the air force’s asset. The presence of the monument is expected to increase love for the aerospace world and the National Air Force. “And also foster the spirit of patriotic,” Sungkono said.
The MiG-17 was involved in the liberation of West Papua TRIKORA 1962, however, the aircraft has retired since 1969. The monument is also to commemorate soldiers in defending freedom.
The MiG-17 with a NATO code “Fresco” was a Soviet Union production in 1952 and the successor of the MiG-15. It was commonly used by Warsawa Pact countries, Africa and Asia.
EKO WIDIANTO
