Aerospace added to defense expo

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesia's biennial defense expo is expanding to include an aerospace expo showcasing the best of domestic defense and space technologies as well as renowned names from abroad.

Director General for Defense Facilities at the Defense Ministry Rear Marshal Eris Herryanto said Tuesday the exhibition would differ from past events held in 2004 and 2006 because of the added aerospace aspect.

"The reason behind the exhibition is to improve science and technological developments in weaponry and aerospace industries," he told reporters.

"The events also aim to show the world our developments in national defense industries."

This year the event will be held at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base instead of the Kemayoran Fairgrounds, the site of the first and second shows.

Hosted by the Defense Ministry, the Indo Defense and Aerospace (IDA) 2008 Expo and Forum will play host to 400 participants from 37 countries from Nov. 19-22.

There will be 11 international pavilions belonging to Bulgaria, Germany, Great Britain, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Korea and the United States.

Eris said the exhibitions would hopefully lead towards the independence of the national defense industry, broaden the insight of defense and aerospace industries and cater to users of weaponry systems and aerospace technologies.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected to officially open the events although Eris said he is still waiting for confirmation.

Indonesia will be showcasing mainly its state-owned strategic industries such as firearms and ammunition manufacturer PT Pindad, shipyard PT PAL, aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia, train manufacturer PT INKA and steel manufacturer PT Krakatau Steel.

PT Pindad will showcase its newest 6x6 armored personnel carrier (APC) while PT Dirgantara Indonesia will display its CN-235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

"The APC will give a demonstration of its capabilities on the opening day," said Eris.

International defense companies attending include Kazan Helicopter, Sukhoi, EADS, PZL Swidnik, Korea Aerospace Industries, Rheinmetall and Raytheon.

Eris said there would also be a seminar called "Defense Technology Capabilities and Improving the Role of National Air Transportation", which is being organized by the Air Power Club Indonesia (APCI).

Meanwhile, Herman Wiryadipoera, from event organizer PT Napindo Media Ashatama, said the first three days would be a trade exhibition for professionals only but the public could attend on the fourth day, Saturday.

"The general public will have to pay Rp 100,000 (US$8.81) and provide copies of their identity cards to visit the venue," he said. (pmf)