Indonesia's Iconic Gatotkaca N-250 Aircraft Project

The then-president Soeharto was glad to see the N-250 aircraft took off for the first time on August 10, 1995 at Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung. The event was also held in conjunction with Indonesia’s 50th Independence Day.

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Thousands of people flocked to the airport to witness the first flight of the first plane made in Indonesia. The cheers and applause echoed when the N-250 piloted by Erwin Danuwinata took off. It was broadcast by state television TVRI.

President Soeharto, who was also in attendance at the time, wiped his tears of joy with a handkerchief several times. He immediately hugged Habibie who was standing next to him.

“We can walk with our head held high together with other nations,” Kompas newspaper on August 11, 1995 quoted Habibie as saying.

“The success of the N-250 trial is not mine, but it belongs to the next generation. This achievement does not matter to me, but this is important for the next generation,” Habibie added.

It was a proud moment for everyone including technicians and engineers who witnessed the smooth landing of the aircraft at Husein Sastranegara Airport after a 56-minute flight.

“The success of the N-250 flight test was a milestone for the Indonesians as we managed to design our aircraft. This was the product of IPTN [the then PTDI) and the Indonesian people,” President Soeharto said at the time.

He added that with such achievement, Indonesia could reduce its reliance on foreign countries. “I extend my highest appreciation to IPTN. Hopefully, this will be the pride of Indonesia and other developing nations,” he added.

The two Indonesian leaders, Soeharto and Habibie passed away in 2008 and 2019, respectively.

(Writer: Muhammad Idris | Editor: Muhammad Idris)

Source: https://money.kompas.com/read/2020/08/23/180312626/pesawat-n250-proyek-triliunan-rupiah-yang-kandas-karena-krismon-1998?page=2.