IndoDefence 2008

Holding the SS2, Indonesia's latest main combat rifle made by Pindad.

IndoDefense 2008 is Indonesia's premiere weapons and defense exhibition, held once every two years by Napindo. I went to the last one in 2006, and may I say that the 2008 event was way better than I expect (seeing that the IndoDefense 2006 didn't please me much).
Held at the Airforce's Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, this year's event had airshows and proper vehicle demostrations. Its 3 times better and bigger than the last event held in Kemayoran. The main theme is also about local defense, vehicle and weapons manufacturers.
I arrived on the 2nd day of the show which was opened to guests and industry professionals. Being located in an airforce base, I had to pass several checkpoints. Some are polite, one is annoying (probably because unlike the others, he works alone and in no shades). I got through and registered.
My entrance to the exhibition grounds was welcomed by an F16B rushing just above me. That is just so cool. Unfortunately it was their final pass, so the next thing I know it was landing. Wished I could've enjoyed it more.

CN235-220MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) made by PTDI

The CN235-220 MPA caught my eye as I walked into the runway. Its PTDI's latest variant of their CN235 aircraft, this one made for maritime surveilance, the first in Asia. Armed with Thales radar, Buble obeservation windows, FLIR (forward looking infra-red), and a high resolution video and topographic camera. These will be operated by the Navy in 2010, replacing the old CN212.

Next are the NBO150 attack hellicopters and the Huey Bell412, both retrofitted since both toys are made in the 70s. Able to carry heftier payloads and re-armored with twaron, no avionics nor sensing capabilites are upgraded. Just stronger engines, tougher resistance and more guns.

On show also outside were two APS6x6 APC tanks, both manufactured by PT.Pindad and electronically enhanced by PT.LEN. Shown were the Army's and UN version. There were also noteable vehicles made by local manufacturers, but the APS6x6 is the show stealer. Even the Renault's star, the mighty Sherpa A3 wasn't getting that much attention.

Other impressive feats were the airforce research lab's UAV and Lapan's rockets. Pindad also brought a full size mockup of their future 6x6 light tank. The exhibition was followed by several Asian and European countries. I'm really hoping to see the next one in 2010.

The Joy of Teaching

I don't know why I took such a long hiatus from teaching, it feels great and something I really love doing.
Last night was my second week teaching both graduate and post graduates on "International Aspects of Management" at the Sampoerna Strategic Square, and I really enjoyed it. I love the interaction, motivating people who were shy to speak up, sharing my views, knowledge, etc. I have no Idea why I stopped.

The last time I taught in a class was 2 years ago. I had no complaints back then, I just stopped because I had a big project with a permanent client. But after that project finished, I didn't know why I didn't get back on the horse again.

To my friends, colleague, or whoever read this, take a stab at teaching. The satisfaction is more than you could ever expect.

Birth of Arkan Marsono

Happy to announce the birth of our baby boy: Kaendra Arkan Dewanta Marsono. Born through normal procedure, weighing at 4.25kg and 51cm tall, born on Friday, November 7th 2008.

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