The First Super Hercules Arrives in Indonesia, Four Others to Come
JAKARTA, KOMPAS — On March 6, 2023, one of the five C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircrafts ordered by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence from the United States in July 2021 has finally arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta. The arrival of the Super Hercules is expected to enhance military personnel and logistics mobility while advancing the country’s minimum essential force (MEF) target.
The C-130J-30 Super Hercules A-1339 was welcomed with a water salute from four Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) fire trucks positioned on either side of the runway. The aircraft was piloted by a crew from Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the Super Hercules, accompanied by Squadron 31 Commander of Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, LTC Anjoe Manik, TNI AU pilot LTC Alfonsus, and Captain Technician Janar.
The crew completed a 34-hour journey following the route Marietta-Monterey-Honolulu-Kwajalein-Guam-Jakarta. This aircraft is the first of five C-130J-30 Super Hercules units ordered by the Ministry of Defence, with the remaining four set to arrive in stages by early 2024.
Strategic Importance
The Deputy Chief of Staff of Indonesian Air Force (WAKASAU), ACM Agustinus Gustaf Brugman, stated that the acquisition of the Super Hercules is part of the Ministry of Defence’s effort to modernise its primary weaponry system. The contract for these aircraft was initiated in July 2021.
“This aircraft was chosen due to its ability to land on short runways, particularly in disaster relief scenarios. Additionally, it has more fuel-efficient engines and a larger cargo capacity,” said M. Brugman.
To support the operation of the Super Hercules, 48 TNI AU personnel were dispatched to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in the United States (US) for training. Among them, 12 are pilots, six are loadmasters—responsible for managing cargo distribution—and 30 are maintenance crew members.
Regionally, the purchase of the C-130J is a logical choice, as neighbouring countries also operate Hercules aircraft. Indonesia is the first Southeast Asian nation to introduce the C-130J Super Hercules, positioning itself ahead of other nations in the region.
Advanced Capabilities
The C-130J-30 Super Hercules features a more advanced cockpit and a fully integrated digital avionics system compared to its predecessors. It has a cargo capacity of up to 20 tonnes, equivalent to eight pallets, 97 stretchers, 128 combat troops, or 92 paratroopers. Additionally, it is equipped with enhanced fuel protection and an advanced cargo handling system.
According to the official website of the US Air Force, the C-130J-30 Super Hercules is powered by four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines, each generating 4,700 horsepower. The aircraft measures 34.69 metres in length, 11.9 metres in height, and has a wingspan of 39.7 metres. It can reach a speed of Mach 0.58 (approximately 710.52 kilometres per hour) at an altitude of 6.7 kilometres. The aircraft requires only two pilots and one loadmaster for operation, as the navigator role has been integrated into the loadmaster’s responsibilities.
The newly arrived Super Hercules, along with the four upcoming units, will be stationed at Squadron 31, Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base. Meanwhile, the existing C-130H Hercules aircraft from Squadron 31 will be transferred to Squadron 32 at Abdul Rachman Saleh Air Force Base in Malang City, East Java.
“This transfer is part of an aircraft renewal initiative for Squadron 32, which currently operates the ageing C-130B Hercules, a model that is now considered obsolete,” M. Brugman explained.
Enhancing Military Capabilities
The Head of Information Service of TNI AU, Air Cmdre. Indan Gilang Buldansyah, emphasised that the arrival of the C-130J-30 Super Hercules would strengthen TNI AU’s mobility for both personnel and logistics, as well as contribute to Indonesia’s MEF objectives. As of early 2023, Indonesia’s MEF stood at 51.51% of its 100% target for 2024. “The addition of this Super Hercules unit increases the MEF percentage,” M. Buldansyah stated.
According to defence analyst of PT Semar Sentinel Indonesia, Fauzan Malufti, MEF calculations are complex due to the simultaneous decommissioning of the C-130B Hercules in January.
Nonetheless, the newly acquired Super Hercules aircraft significantly surpass the C-130B in terms of payload capacity and fuel efficiency. M. Malufti believes that these aircraft will greatly assist the TNI AU in both war and non-war military operations. With over 60 years of operational experience with the Hercules series, the TNI AU is well-equipped to integrate and maximise the capabilities of this modernised variant.
While the acquisition of the C-130J Super Hercules does not drastically alter Indonesia’s military position in the region, it marks a major step forward in domestic defence modernisation.
Furthermore, Indonesia has established domestic infrastructure for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of Hercules aircraft. Facilities such as the TNI AU’s maintenance depots and technical squadrons, as well as PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) and PT Garuda Maintenance Facility AeroAsia, play a key role in sustaining and upgrading these aircraft.
“This procurement also benefits the domestic defence industry, including reciprocal agreements within the purchase contract,” M. Malufti added.
However, he noted that the government must establish clear priorities due to budget constraints. “The defence budget needs to be increased and managed with a long-term perspective. Priorities should be set based on weapon system effectiveness, geopolitical considerations, and reciprocal agreements, such as technology transfers from foreign manufacturers to boost Indonesia’s defence industry.”
Regional Deployment of Hercules
M. Malufti supported the TNI AU’s decision to station the C-130J at Squadron 31, considering that squadrons 31, 32, and 33 have long operated Hercules aircraft. This arrangement eliminates the need to relocate personnel and infrastructure.
The locations of these squadrons—31 in Jakarta, 32 in Malang City, and 33 in Makassar City—are strategically positioned near military units requiring air mobility, such as the Indonesian Army’s (TNI AD) Airborne Battalions of the Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad).
“For regional concerns, acquiring the C-130J is a rational decision, given that many neighbouring countries also operate Hercules aircraft. Indonesia’s adoption of the C-130J Super Hercules places it ahead in Southeast Asia,” M. Malufti concluded.
Meanwhile, a lead defence policy analyst at Indonesia 2045 Laboratory (LAB 45), Reine Prihandoko, highlighted that Indonesia’s overall military strength in the region remains largely unchanged. However, the addition of the C-130J Super Hercules represents a significant step forward in modernising Indonesia’s defence capabilities.
Ms. Prihandoko also noted that acquiring military assets from the US does not necessarily indicate a shift towards the US-led bloc. Indonesia continues to diversify its defence procurement strategy, maintaining flexibility to purchase weaponry from other nations, including Russia, France, India, and the United Arab Emirates.
