Jayapura – The Indonesian Water and Air Police Corps (Korpolairud) is continuously enhancing the skills of its pilots, including providing specialized training for flying in mountainous regions. This training is deemed crucial to the success of Operation Damai Cartenz in Papua, as flying over mountainous terrain presents significantly greater challenges compared to flatland flights.
The Head of Korpolairud, Inspector General M. Yassin Kosasih, explained that Indonesia already has aviation schools such as the Indonesian Aviation Polytechnic (PPI) with instructors specializing in mountainous flights. Some of these instructors have even received advanced training in the United States.
“Flying over mountainous regions is entirely different. It often requires intricate maneuvers between hills, which is not an easy task,” Yassin stated during a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing event with several aviation and maritime schools in Indonesia, held at the Korpolairud Headquarters in Pondok Cabe on December 3.
He added that this specialized training is highly aligned with the needs of Operation Damai Cartenz in Papua. Yassin also highlighted the exceptional performance of Korpolairud pilots, who have participated in various missions, including securing international events, responding to natural disasters in Sulawesi and East Nusa Tenggara, and contributing to Operation Damai Cartenz. Due to their dedication, Korpolairud recently received an appreciation award from the Minister of Social Affairs.
Currently, Korpolairud operates a fleet of 60 helicopters and aircraft, piloted by graduates of prestigious aviation institutions, including those trained in the United States. “Through this partnership, we aim to produce even more highly skilled personnel and continue to provide the best service for security and humanitarian efforts across Indonesia,” Yassin emphasized.
