Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Ministry of Industry is planning to build an aerospace design center in the Bandung Institute of Technology.

Director General of Metal, Transportation Machine and Electronics of the Ministry of Industry, I Gusti Putu Suryawirawan, stated here on Monday that the design center will help the country excel in the aerospace program.

"We are still developing the plan in hopes of restoring the glory of the national aerospace industry," Suryawirawan remarked after attending a meeting with the Indonesia Aircraft and Component Manufacturer Association (Inacom) in the ministry.

The design center will be the hub for implementing some aerospace programs, such as identifying the potential of the national aircraft component manufacturing industry.

Moreover, the center will provide technical guidance to enhance the competency and standards of the national aircraft component manufacturing industry.

Despite an ongoing plan, the government has conducted some technical guidance on rubber sealing, interiors, metal components, tools and jig, aircraft components' quality standards, retreaded aircraft tires, and main and nose landing gear for the N-219 commuter aircraft.

The ministry is helping to develop synergy in the national component industry, which has the potential to collaborate with the state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia and PT Regio Aviasi Industry (RAI) to encourage the national industry involved in the manufacture of N-219 components.

The N-219 is a 19-seater passenger aircraft produced by PT Dirgantara Indonesia using the expertise of local engineers and technicians. It will be head to head with the famous bushmaster Canadian DHC-6 Twin Otter.

The growing national aerospace industry is expected to boost Indonesia's economic growth, provide jobs, attract investment, and help the nation excel in technology.

Reporter: Sella Gareta
Editor: Ade P Marboen
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