PNG jet breached rules but no need to protest: TNI chief
Indonesian Sukhoi Flanker |
The Indonesian Air Force, however, did not file a protest with PNG even though the aircraft was not of the same type stipulated in the flight clearance permit issued by Indonesian authorities. "We also did not need to force the plane to land like we did with a Pakistani plane flying to Kuala Lumpur last year, because after we noticed discrepancies in the flight clearance permit, they [PNG] immediately made a correction that was approved by the Transportation Ministry," Agus said.
PNG Prime Minister Peter O’ Neill, in a statement made available on Monday, said the PNG government had accepted Indonesia’s explanation over the Indonesian Air Force Sukhoi jet fighters intercepting the PNG executive jet. Agus said the deployment of two Indonesian Sukhoi Su-27 jet fighters was aimed at visually checking the PNG aircraft given the data differences. O’ Neill threatened Friday to expel Indonesian Ambassador to PNG Andreas Sitepu from Port Moresby, following reports on the interception.
Agus said he did not understand why PNG protested after almost two months since the incident. In March 2011, two Indonesian Sukhoi Su-27 jet fighters forced a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Boeing 737-300 to land in Makassar, South Sulawesi, “for trespassing into an Indonesian air corridor without a permit”. The plane, which was carrying Pakistani police personnel, was flying from Dili in Timor Leste to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The plane was held for about 10 hours and was released after Indonesian officials received all required documents and clearances.
Jakarta Post
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