TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government wants the Indonesian-built N219 aircraft to be constructed with at least 60 percent local components - 20 percent more than the current target of 40 percent, officials said Friday, September 18.
"We will continue to increase the use of local components up to 60 percent of the total - that way, we could help revive local producers of airline parts," said the Minister for Industries, Saleh Husin in Jakarta on Friday.
It is known that the government is building a prototype of the N219 aircraft, which is designed to increase the connectivity between Indonesia's rural area.
"This creates a huge chance for local industries to participate in - the new target means new jobs for more people, which comes from an increase in investments," said Saleh.
The Head of Indonesia's Aircraft Component Manufacturer Association (INACOM), Andi Alisyahbana, said that the N219 aircraft - built by PT Dirgantara Indonesia - is designed to run on local components.
According to Andi, some simpler components of the aircraft could be produced locally - but Indonesia has yet to possess the finesse and ability to churn out more complicated parts of the aircraft. "The plane is designed to run on simpler equipments - while still meeting acceptable safety standards," he said.
The N219 prototype is slated to be completed by the end of October 2015, and is scheduled to enter flight testing in 2016. Once it passes all certification, the Ministry of Transport will issue a permit that will allow it to enter commercial production.
ANTARA
