"I saw that some people have ignored the regulation, and if they cannot do their job properly, we will sack them," the minister said.Semarang, C. Java (ANTARA News) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has instructed a thorough evaluation of the flight standard operation procedure (SOP) after several cases of pilots consuming drugs came to light.
"I saw that some people have ignored the regulation, and if they cannot do their job properly, we will sack them," Budi informed the press here, Thursday.
The minister inspected the renovation project of the Ahmad Yani International Airport in Semarang.
In December last year, an Indonesian budget airline had fired a pilot suspected of attempting to fly an aircraft while he was drunk.
Earlier, in a separate case, three crew members comprising a pilot and two flight attendants were arrested for allegedly consuming crystal methamphetamine, known locally as shabu-shabu, at a hotel.
Budi said the case has shown that Indonesias aviation sector is facing an alarming situation.
He reiterated that the industry will need stringent regulation and discipline.
"However, it seems that some people have ignored the regulation," he emphasized.
The ministry will take legal action against those who violate the regulation and endanger passengers in a bid to ensure aviation safety in Indonesia.
Earlier, on Wednesday, 44 aviation personnel, including pilots, co-pilots, stewardesses, and students of an aviation school, had underdone urine tests conducted by the Cilacap narcotics agency.
The agency found two foreign pilots, identified as BH and DE, who had tested positive for the intake of morphine, but they claimed to have not taken any drugs during the past week.
They were transferred to East Jakarta for further investigation.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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