Pilots leave Indonesia after interception
Two Australian pilots whose tiny plane was intercepted by Indonesian fighter jets for air space incursions have left the country after a forced three-night stay.
Graeme Jackline and Richard MacLean made their unplanned landing in Manado, Sulawesi, on Wednesday morning, forced down by two Sukhoi jets.
One of the air force pilots says his weapon was "locked on" the plane when it refused to land for several hours, and he only needed an order to fire.
Indonesian authorities say the Australians didn't have the correct documents.
The men had to pay a Rp 60 million ($5670) fine and wait for all necessary documents to be processed, which authorities say are usually taken care of by agents.
The pair were happy and laughing as they prepared to leave Manado on Saturday morning but did not speak to reporters.
Sam Ratulangi Airport spokesman Syaifullah Siregar said it was only for practical reasons the men had to stay a third night in an air force dorm.
"Actually, last night all (the paperwork) was finished but their plane is not equipped with night flight instruments," he told reporters.
"Also, the airport they're heading to was closed."
On landing at Manado on Wednesday, armed air force officers swarmed the aircraft and frisked the two Australians.
A witness said they looked annoyed at this but the men had lightened up since, posing for photos with air force personnel.
The Australians have continued their job of delivering the small 1966 Beech twin-engine plane from Darwin to Cebu in the Philippines.
