REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan called on French aircraft manufacturer Airbus to plan to produce its aircraft components in Indonesia. The request was conveyed by Luhut during a meeting with Airbus President of Asia-Pacific Jean-Marc Nasr held here on Monday.

"We requested them (Airbus) to plan to produce aircraft components with Dirgantara Indonesia (Indonesian aerospace manufacturing company). We then also urged them to make their aircraft tires in Indonesia," he stated.

The minister remarked that the demand to produce aircraft components in the country was aimed at the optimal utilization of raw materials in Indonesia.

"Some car tire manufacturers, such as Michelin, Dunlop, and GT, carry out their production activities in Indonesia, and a lot of our raw rubber had been optimally utilized in the production," he explained.

However, Luhut claimed to yet be uncertain about the amount of investment required by Airbus to realize the plan.

"They are still conducting some calculations for the production cost, number of components that can be produced here, and the investment value for the aircraft tire industry. Later, we will also offer them some cooperation with our aircraft manufacturing companies," he revealed.

He further noted that later on, the country's Airbus component production is also expected to create jobs for local labors. Luhut also encouraged Airbus to immediately cooperate with local airline companies in the aircraft maintenance business.

Luhut pointed out that two Indonesian local airlines -- Lion Air and Garuda Indonesia -- already had aircraft maintenance facilities in Batam and Bintan. The minister added that in April, this year, Airbus will come up with concrete proposals on cooperation in the aircraft maintenance business in Bintan and Batam.

"They (Lion Air and Garuda Indonesia) would like to work together for the maintenance of their Airbus 320 aircraft," he stated.

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