Agus Triyono – In two years time, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will be flying on the Indonesian version of Air Force One.

Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo said late on Friday that the plan to buy a presidential plane had been finalized, as both the government and the legislature had endorsed the plan.

"It is true that the budget has been allocated, but it will take time to complete the plane," Agus told reporters after a meeting with Constitutional Court Chairman Mahfud M.D. "About the figure, I need to consult first with the director general of budget to get the exact figure."

Agus said the plane was an "urgent need" that could significantly reduce the cost of presidential trips.

"Indonesia is a huge country," he said. "If the president uses a commercial plane that has been modified into a presidential plane, it is a very inefficient use of the airliner. Besides, it is very costly if commercial fares apply to any [presidential] trip."

The head of state now travels on a plane leased from flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, with the aircraft costing the government an estimated Rp 900 billion ($105 million) for a five-year period.

Agus's remarks came only two days after State Secretary Sudi Silalahi told a House of Representatives' commission that the government had reached a deal with US planemaker Boeing to purchase a jet for $58 million to serve the president's needs.

Sudi said the price was a good deal because the initial offer was $62 million. The plane in question is a 737-800 series Boeing Business Jet.

Media reports said a team was now producing designs for the plane's interior, which would include a bedroom and bathroom with shower, a dining area and a conference room.

Assembly of the plane is expected to begin next year, and officials said the aircraft could be ready for use by Yudhoyono in 2013, a year before his term in office expires.