TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Boeing Indonesia Country Managing Director Zaid Alami is optimistic that Indonesia will become the world's fourth-largest commercial aviation market in 12 years, or by 2036. This is also something predicted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

"Forty percent of Southeast Asia's population is here, in Indonesia, with (a population of) 280 million people," Alami said at the Boeing Indonesia office in Jakarta on June 10.

In addition, Alami said, the supporting factors for aviation growth can be seen in the 390 million passengers projected to fly by 2037.

Currently, the U.S. aircraft manufacturer is focused on supporting that growth by improving safety, capacity, efficiency and sustainability. "Coming here, there's so much growth that we're seeing," Alami said.

Alami said that growth is not only focused on the Asian region but is also driven by the Indonesian economy, which is very healthy and continues to develop with strong GDP growth.

"And we're happy to support that growth," he said.

Alami also emphasized the partnership that has existed between the U.S. government and the Indonesian government for 75 years. "The U.S. is reaffirming this with Indonesia by improving their relationship."

On the same occasion, Alami also spoke about the first time Boeing sent its aircraft to Indonesia on January 26, 1949, with the DC-3 Seulawah. The airplane is currently on display at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in Jakarta. "We are very happy to be part of this long history," he said.

MOCHAMAD FIRLY FAJRIAN | ANTARA

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