Jakarta –
Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy today paid a working visit to PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), Bandung. It is hoped that PTDI will receive support from the government in developing the market for its aircraft.
The visit began with a review of PTDI’s production facilities and hangars, as well as seeing PTDI’s capacity and ability to support the national aerospace industry.
On that occasion, the group visited the Final Assembly Line hangar which contains the CN235-220 Flying Test Bed (FTB) aircraft and the NC212i aircraft fuselage which is in the process of completing production for the Indonesian Air Force end user, followed by the MALE UAV hangar and the N219 aircraft hangar.
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“From the visit of the Minister of Bappenas this afternoon, he supports PTDI in expanding its sales market. Starting from our report that DRRAA Thailand has used 10 NC212i units for their operations in the agricultural sector,” said PTDI President Director Gita Amperiawan in a written statement, Thursday ( 11/14/2024).
On that occasion, Rachmat encouraged the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) to start optimizing the use of PTDI production aircraft to support its activities and operations in the agricultural sector.
Rachmat also expressed his support for business continuity, development programs and aerospace initiatives carried out by PTDI, including the commercialization of the N219 aircraft, especially in the Riau Islands (Kepri) region in order to support the National Economic Transformation program-Kepri, including the N219 amphibious aircraft development program.
During a visit to the N219 aircraft hangar, Gita conveyed the involvement of the N219 aircraft in the National Economic Transformation program promoted by Bappenas. The N219 aircraft is said to not only be a proud product of Indonesia, but will also be PTDI’s real contribution to Indonesia’s economic growth, in line with its designation as an aircraft that serves regional connectivity and is designed to encourage economic equality throughout the archipelago.
To date, PTDI has succeeded in obtaining a contract for six N219 aircraft from the Ministry of Defense/TNI AD and five units from the Setdco Group for the end user of the Democratic Government of the Republic of Congo.
Apart from that, on the occasion of the Bali International Airshow 2024 PTDI also obtained a commitment to purchase two N219 aircraft by PT Indo Aviasi Perkasa in order to support the Riau Islands Economic Transformation program.
PTDI is now embarking on a new chapter to answer the need for amphibious aircraft in Indonesia. The N219 aircraft, which is being developed into an amphibious variant, will be equipped with float components made of composite materials as a replacement for wheels for landing in open water.
“PTDI has been fully dedicated and committed to research and development of the N219 amphibious aircraft, including man hours, utilization of production facilities, and a number of tests in the laboratory,” he explained.
The N219 amphibious aircraft development program is part of Bappenas’ main initiative and is one of the flagships of Indonesia’s Economic Transformation through a domestic industrial development strategy. With support from Bappenas, the N219 amphibious development program is also being encouraged to become a symbol of developing independent defense industry in line with national priorities in the defense sector in the 2020-2024 RPJMN.
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PTDI’s Dream Take-Off: A Cheeky Observation
Well, well, well! Look who’s zooming into the headlines like a well-oiled aircraft! The Minister of National Development Planning, Rachmat Pambudy, recently lifted off for a visit to PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) in Bandung, and it seems he’s got a one-way ticket to success. It’s not every day ministers pop over to review production facilities and hangars; that’s a VIP tour we’d all like to join, am I right?
Let’s get our flight suits on because this trip is about as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride at a not-so-busy amusement park. The Minister didn’t just swing by for a cup of coffee; he’s on a serious mission to inject some governmental turbo fuel into PTDI’s aircraft sales. The ambition? To soar in the aerospace industry and maybe even leave a few rivals gasping for air.
As the minister popped into the Final Assembly Line hangar, the real magic began. I mean, nothing screams “national pride” quite like a CN235-220 Flying Test Bed and the NC212i aircraft fuselage awaiting their grand debut with the Indonesian Air Force. It’s like seeing your childhood toys all grown up and ready to become the stars of the sky!
In an attempt to stoke the engines of agricultural development, Rachmat encouraged the Ministry of Agriculture to get their act together and start utilizing PTDI’s aircraft. I’m imagining a scene where farmers are no longer just on tractors but flying above their fields in style, waving at their neighbors like, “What’s up? I’ve got wings, and you don’t!”
And let’s not forget the N219 amphibious aircraft, which is under development. What a concept! A plane that can take off and land on water. You know what they say—never judge a book by its cover, or a plane by its wheels! This amphibious beauty is designed to enhance regional connectivity, as though the archipelago wasn’t already known for its notorious traffic jams on land. Who needs roads when you can have a runway made of waves?
As it stands, PTDI has inked contracts for six N219 aircraft with the Ministry of Defense, and they’re tiptoeing into international waters with five units for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Who knew PTDI would be the Boeing of the developing world? Meanwhile, tuning into the Bali International Airshow, it turns out two more N219s found their way into PT Indo Aviasi Perkasa’s shopping cart to support the Riau Islands’ Economic Transformation program. Must have been a heck of a sale, huh?
Now, back to the amphibious variant. PTDI seems determined and committed! They’re pouring research and development efforts into this like it’s a bottomless buffet. The N219 amphibious aircraft is being primed to be part of the national defense strategy. God forbid someone takes to the seas on an inflatable toy; the defense industry is here to save the day!
The N219 is not merely an ambitious project; it’s an emblem of Indonesia’s push towards a self-sufficient defense industry. It’s as if PTDI is saying, “Stand back, world! We’re coming in hot with our own innovations because the future of aviation is made in Indonesia.” Or at least, that’s what we’d hope to hear echoing through the hangars.
So, as I put my feet up and enjoy the sight of aircraft zooming by, it’s clear that Rachmat Pambudy’s visit is more than just a friendly hello—it’s a calculated outreach to boost national pride and fire up the engines of economic transformation. Who knew that aviation could be this entertaining? The only thing left to figure out is whether we’ll all be flying to our meetings soon or just catching an Uber!
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(Your Favorite Cheeky Observationalist)
Jakarta –
Rachmat Pambudy, the Minister of National Development Planning and Head of Bappenas, undertook a significant working visit to PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) in Bandung today. This visit is aimed at facilitating government support to enhance PTDI’s market opportunities for its aircraft, ensuring their competitive edge in the aerospace sector.
The visit commenced with an in-depth exploration of PTDI’s advanced production facilities and expansive hangars, allowing a thorough evaluation of the company’s capabilities to bolster the national aerospace industry. This comprehensive review focused on the technological prowess and operational readiness of PTDI to meet both domestic and global aviation demands.
The group toured the Final Assembly Line hangar, which houses the CN235-220 Flying Test Bed (FTB) and showcased the NC212i aircraft fuselage currently nearing completion for the Indonesian Air Force. Following this, they visited the MALE UAV hangar along with the dedicated N219 aircraft hangar, emphasizing PTDI’s diverse production range.
“From the visit of the Minister of Bappenas this afternoon, he supports PTDI in expanding its sales market, particularly highlighting that DRRAA Thailand has integrated 10 NC212i units into their agricultural operations,” stated PTDI President Director Gita Amperiawan in a formal statement issued on Thursday (11/14/2024). This development showcases the growing international interest in PTDI’s offerings and the potential for increased export opportunities.
During the discussions, Rachmat urged the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) to fully leverage PTDI’s production capabilities to enhance operations in the agricultural sector, reinforcing the strategic importance of utilizing domestic aerospace innovations.
He went on to reaffirm his support for PTDI’s ongoing business continuity, development initiatives, and innovative aerospace projects, particularly the commercialization of the N219 aircraft. This focus is especially relevant for the Riau Islands (Kepri) region, as it aligns with the National Economic Transformation program—Kepri, and includes advancing the N219 amphibious aircraft development initiative.
While visiting the N219 aircraft hangar, Gita highlighted the critical role of the N219 aircraft in the National Economic Transformation program advocated by Bappenas. The N219 is not just celebrated as a national pride; it stands to contribute substantially to Indonesia’s economic growth while serving vital regional connectivity, fostering equitable economic development across Indonesia’s diverse archipelago.
Currently, PTDI has successfully secured contracts for six N219 aircraft from the Indonesian Ministry of Defense/TNI AD and an additional five units from the Setdco Group for the Democratic Government of the Republic of Congo. This substantial backing manifests PTDI’s reputation and capability in fulfilling international defense requirements.
Additionally, during the Bali International Airshow 2024, PTDI forged a new commitment to sell two N219 aircraft to PT Indo Aviasi Perkasa, aimed at bolstering the Riau Islands Economic Transformation program. This partnership reflects PTDI’s proactive stance in contributing to regional development agendas.
PTDI is currently embarking on an ambitious journey to fulfill the growing need for amphibious aircraft within Indonesia. The N219 aircraft, now being developed into an amphibious variant, will feature advanced float components made from composite materials, which will replace traditional landing gear to enable operations in open water.
“PTDI has dedicated countless hours and substantial resources to the research and development of the N219 amphibious aircraft, utilizing production facilities and conducting extensive laboratory tests to ensure quality and functionality,” he elaborated, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation.
This N219 amphibious aircraft development initiative is a cornerstone of Bappenas’ strategic agenda, positioned as a flagship project under Indonesia’s Economic Transformation strategy. With strong backing from Bappenas, the N219 program aims to epitomize the progress toward an independent defense industry, aligning with national priorities set forth in the 2020-2024 RPJMN for national defense.
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How does the development of the N219 amphibious variant reflect Indonesia’s aspirations in the international aerospace market?
in light of its unique geographical challenges.
Furthermore, the continued emphasis on the development of the N219 amphibious variant exemplifies PTDI’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology in Indonesia. With the capability to land on both solid ground and water, the N219 amphibious aircraft is set to redefine accessibility in remote areas, allowing for improved transportation of goods and services.
As education and investment in aerospace technology ramp up, Indonesia can position itself as a competitive player in the international aerospace market. The integration of modern techniques and innovative designs into PTDI’s aircraft showcases a commitment to excellence and adaptability. The government’s support will undoubtedly bolster PTDI’s initiatives to expand its aircraft offerings and to potentially collaborate with international partners.
Rachmat Pambudy’s visit to PTDI is not merely a gesture. It symbolizes a concerted effort to align Indonesia’s aerospace ambitions with national economic goals. As PTDI commits to advancing its aircraft capabilities, including the development of the amphibious N219, Indonesia appears poised for a significant leap forward in its aerospace sector—a move that highlights both innovation and our national pride in producing homegrown technology.
–End of Report–
