ASIATODAY.ID, DENPASAR – Indonesia is increasingly emphasizing its existence as a door to the world at the long-awaited Bali International Airshow 2024. This is the first event for Indonesia in almost 30 years.
Set to elevate Indonesia’s aerospace and defense sector to greater heights, this air show is a testament to Indonesia’s growing prowess in the aviation landscape.
This important event brings together global aerospace leaders, defense giants, industry experts and innovators, who all gather in Bali to showcase the latest advances in aviation technology, military defense systems and sustainable aerospace solutions.
As the largest event in the region, the Bali International Airshow 2024 reflects Indonesia’s commitment to elevate its aerospace and defense sector to a higher level, strengthening its position as a major player in the Asia Pacific aviation landscape.
“Bali International Airshow shows our resilience to compete and become a leading global player in the aerospace industry. I also underscored our efforts to chart a brighter and more sustainable future for the aviation sector. Improving Indonesia’s aerospace sector is very important for Indonesia’s future. “This is not just a strategic need, but the main driver of our nation’s economic and social progress,” said Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan when opening the Bali Airshow, 18 September 2024.
“Our investment in the aviation sector will ensure smooth connectivity, encourage trade in goods and services, increase the tourism sector and advanced economic growth, and more importantly, as a country with strategic geopolitical significance, the resilience of the aerospace industry will determine our defense readiness in protecting our sovereignty. national and maintaining regional stability,” added Luhut.
Minister Luhut was accompanied by several other senior officials who attended the event including the Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi. There were also nearly 1,000 other attendees at the Opening Ceremony, including top defense officials, ministers, and industry leaders from more than 20 countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, South Korea, Australia, India, the US, Japan, New Zealand, China, Papua New Guinea and Turkiye.
This event was also marked by the signing of the Bali International Airshow Letter of Intent (LOI) between the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, the Ministry of Transportation; Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Ministry of Defense, PT Aviation Wisata Indonesia (InJourney), Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU), and PT Inaro Tujuhbelas.
Through this LOI, the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment proposes the formation of a cooperation agreement between relevant stakeholders, which will strengthen collaboration between industry players throughout the world, which will help Indonesia progress in the fields of technology, innovation and tourism. The Bali International Airshow will also be a biennial event in Indonesia, held every odd-numbered year.
BACK ON THE AIR AFTER ALMOST 30 YEARS
With the return of the Bali International Airshow 2024 to Indonesia after almost 30 years, this event aims to push the country at the forefront of the global aviation and aerospace industry.
Such international participation underscores the country’s strategic ambition to become a significant player in the Asia Pacific region strengthening its growing presence on the international aviation stage by becoming a regional hub for aerospace innovation and defense technology. The air show will be attended by 48 countries/regions including host delegations, trade visitors and exhibitors as well as participation from 100 companies.
Bali International Airshow 2024 will make a big step in the international aviation industry, making history by showcasing demonstrations of Indonesia’s air skills and precision in this sector.
SUPPORT FROM GLOBAL INDUSTRY GIANTS
Featuring global aerospace and defense giants such as Airbus, Bell Helicopters, Boeing, Brahmos, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Garuda Group, Leonardo (represented by Helitech Asia – Asia Pacific distributor), Lion Air, MBDA, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Textron Aviation, and Thales , This convergence of defense giants signals Indonesia’s increasing prowess as a center for aerospace innovation and growing defense collaboration.
“The presence of this delegation at the Bali Airshow shows the significant progress that Indonesia has achieved in the aviation and aerospace industry,” said Andy Wismarsyah, Chief Executive Officer of PT Inaro Tujuh Belas.
He further commented, “From increasing local capabilities in aircraft production and maintenance to driving innovation in defense systems and commercial aviation, this meeting of industry giants marks a transformative period for Indonesia, positioning it as a competitive and strategic hub for aerospace activities in the region and surroundings.”
PUSHING INDONESIA TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE FLIGHT PRACTICES
To support Indonesia’s ambition to stand at par with global players, the Bali International Airshow 2024 is also a forum for delegates to raise important conversations about the future of Indonesia’s aerospace and defense sector.
The Asia Pacific Air Transport Forum 2024 themed “Advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Integrated Airspace Solutions for a Greener Future,” discussing the future of sustainable aviation. The forum will feature key discussions on expanding the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and integrating advanced air mobility technologies including drones and Urban Air Mobility Control and Guidance (CG) into the existing airspace framework.
Furthermore, Indonesia is ready to outline a strategic road map to advance the country’s agenda towards achieving Net Zero Aviation by 2050.
“The unveiling of Indonesia’s national roadmap to advance the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) industry marks an important moment in our commitment to sustainable aviation,” said Luhut.
“This strategic roadmap not only highlights our dedication to reducing carbon emissions, but also places Indonesia at the forefront of global efforts towards greener skies. By fostering a strong SAF ecosystem, we are setting ambitious targets to achieve Net Zero Aviation by 2050, ensuring a sustainable future for our aviation industry, and contributing significantly to the global fight against climate change.”
At the same time, the Bali Regional Air and Space Power Forum 2024 focuses on the theme “Security for All: The Future of Aerospace Technology and Its Role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Operations,” which highlights the growing challenges posed by natural disasters in the Asia Pacific region. The forum will bring together experts to discuss how advanced aerospace technologies such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), satellites, and C4ISR systems — can be integrated into HADR operations to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster response efforts.
INDONESIAN ELITE PILOTS FLY HIGH IN THE SKY OF BALI
Bali International Airshow 2024 is also an event to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations between Indonesia and other countries. This exhibition displays 16 commercial aircraft to military aircraft along with the latest technology that will determine the future of aviation. These floating planes include the F16 Fighting Falcon, C130J Super Hercules, C-212 Aviocar, EC725, and EMB-314 Super Tucano. Two state-of-the-art aircraft will also be on display: the F-35A Lightning II and the A400M Atlas.
The renowned Jupiter Aerobatic Team and Neptune Aerobatic Team from Indonesia and the F-35A Lightning II solo flyer from Australia put on a series of stunning displays. The flying show takes place four times a day, highlighting the team’s skill and dedication as well as their incredible advances in aerospace technology.
“This flying shows the extraordinary talent of the Jupiter and Neptunus Aerobatic Team at the Bali International Airshow. This further symbolizes Indonesia’s greatness in the aviation and space sector. “We are very happy to be able to show their extraordinary performance and our country’s capabilities in this industry to the international community,” said Luhut.
The Jupiter Aerobatics Team (Indonesian Air Force) flew six KT-1B Wongbee aircraft and the Neptunus Aerobatics Team (Indonesian Navy Aviation Center) flew six Bonanza G36 light aircraft to perform complex maneuvers in the skies of Bali. Meanwhile, the Australian Air Force flies its own F-35A Lightning II. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel