TNI TO BUILD AIR FORCE BASE IN E KALIMANTAN

Samarinda, Nov 25 (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) will build an air force base in Berau district, East Kalimantan province, which is near the border with Malaysia, a military chief said.

"Besides its location which is near the border areas (between East Kalimantan and East Malaysia), Berau district is also located in the middle of East Kalimantan, which has a 1,038 km border line," Chief of Military Resort Command 091/ASN, Col. Musa Bangun, said here on Wednesday.

The air force base project which will be equipped with a force of 1 squadron is now in the land clearance stage. The construction of the airbase is expected to commence in 2010 and to be completed in 2014.

He said that the target for completion in 2014 included a plan for the procurement of 16 helicopters which would be used for defense purposes.

The funds for the construction of the airbase and the procurement of 16 helicopters would be taken from the state budget.

"There will be one squadron of air force personnel to be stationed in the airbase. One squadron will be equipped with 16 helicopters which will also be used to conduct border patrols," Col. Musa Bangun said.