Indonesian Fighter Jets Intercept Australia-bound Saudi Plane

Indonesian fighter jets have intercepted a plane carrying Saudi Arabian delegates en route to Australia for allegedly violating Indonesian airspace, media reports said on Tuesday.

The Local Air Force Commander, Andi Wijaya, said in Jakarta.

Wijaya said that the Gulfstream HZ-103 plane carrying 13 people was forced to land on Monday at the El Tari airport in Kupang, the main town in West Timor.

“Those on board included members of an advance team preparing for a visit by a Saudi prince to Australia.

“Seven of the passengers are members of the Saudi Government,’’ Wijaya, said

Report said in October, Indonesian fighter jets also intercepted an Australian light aircraft for entering the country’s airspace without clearance.

It added that the plane was released after the crew paid a fine of 60 million rupiah (about $5,000).

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