President Jokowi to Revive Country`s Aviation Industry

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi, right) listen to the explanation of former President and aviation experts BJ Habibie (second left) at National Innovation Forum 2015 in Puspiptek, Serpong, Tangerang, Banten. (ANTARA FOTO/Yudhi Mahatma/wdy/15)

Tangerang (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) here on Monday pledged to revive the countrys aviation industry by supporting and offering incentives to the industry.

"Research funds would be increased, so that in the long term, a product could be manufactured and economically used by the people," he stated while visiting the Science and Technology Development Center (Puspitek) in Tangerang, Banten, on Monday.

With regard to the amount of funds needed for research, he pointed out that the government would and could seek consultation regarding them with experts, including former president B.J. Habibie.

Apart from increasing research funds, President Jokowi noted that the government would also purchase domestic products.

"Yes, (the government would provide) the research funds for N245, N219, and R80. That would be the obligation of the state. Initially, the government would purchase the products. Why not?," he stressed.

President Jokowi affirmed that in the future, more research must be conducted in the field of aviation to transform them into a national project, so that the direction would be clearer.

"It would be impossible for us to use large aircraft to reach small islands in the country to improve their connectivity," he pointed out.

The countrys aviation industry has started showing signs of revival, with the production of new aircraft such as N210 and R80 that have even been ordered by several commercial airlines in the country. (WDY)