Japan gives counterterrorism equipment to Hang Nadim

Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam | Archipelago | Fri, August 03 2012,

Paper Edition | Page: 5

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has donated instruments aimed at anticipating possible terrorist attacks at Hang Nadim Airport in Batam, Riau Islands.

Head of the airport’s commercial section, Dendi Gustinandar, said one of the instruments was an anti-explosive device, which could be used both to detect and safely detonate bombs without damaging the container.

Dendi said the equipment given to Hang Nadim Airport comprised nine X-ray machines, eight metal detectors, one anti-explosive device, 15 CCTVs and an air band handle transceiver. The instruments were handed over as part of a framework agreement between JICA and the Finance Ministry, he said.

“Security has become a priority for every airport around the world and the provision of this assistance has been approved by the two countries. Hang Nadim is just one of a number of airports that will receive this assistance from Japan,” said Dendi, who admitted he knew nothing about the total cost of the assistance.

According to Dendi, the counterterror equipment was handed over in July. A number of simulations have also been conducted by JICA at Hang Nadim.

Dendi added that aside from donating the equipment, JICA had also trained 100 of the airport’s security officers how to operate the equipment.

“The assistance is aimed at anticipating any threats which might take place. But Batam is not the only recipient; other Indonesian airports will receive similar assistance. It shows the seriousness of the Japanese government regarding airport safety in Indonesia,” he said.

He also said the airport’s need for security equipment had been determined by a survey previously carried out by JICA and the ministry.

Hang Nadim Airport has the longest runway in Indonesia, at 4,025 meters, and the airport served 3.6 million passengers last year.

Fifteen airlines operate out of Hang Nadim, which together offer flights to 12 cities throughout Indonesia as well as international destinations.

The airport has also been used on occasion as an alternative landing site when aircraft have had difficulties landing at Changi International Airport in Singapore