REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Indonesia's new 91 million USD presidential plane arrived AT 10.00 am Western Indonesian Time on Thursday after several months of delay. The aircraft was flown by Indonesia's Air Force accompanied by representatives of Boeing. 

The Boeing 737-800 plane landed at Halim Perdanakusuma air force base, in the eastern part of Jakarta, to a welcoming ceremony presided over by State Secretary Sudi Silalahi.

The plane, named Republik Indonesia, was to have arrived late last year but was delayed after the government requested customized designs. Silalahi said the plane would go into official operation after it receives a certificate from the Ministry of Defense.

The purchase of the plane was approved by Parliament in 2010, with the aim of cutting costs by replacing the need to rent jets for presidential trips. Silalahi said 10 million USD a year could be saved by using the plane instead of renting jets for presidential tours at home and abroad.

The aircraft can accommodate up to 67 passengers equipped with meeting room, conference room and executive room to facilitate the president in running his duties. It is also equipped with safety devices and fuel tanks, so that the plane can travel up to 10 thousand kilometers. Silalahi said that the use of presidential plane was more efficient than using commercial plane. 

In the past, Indonesia had used an Ilyushin Il-18, a gift from Soviet Union, and a Sikorsky Helicopter from US President Kennedy as official planes for President Sukarno, the country's first president.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika