In 1949-1950 period, the Indonesian Air Force (then called AURI) received around 60 Piper L-4J Grasshoppers from Royal Netherlands East Indies Air Force as part of the transfer of sovereignty. AURI used them as liaison and primary trainer aircraft. In 1957, AURI decided that the ex-Dutch L-4Js, which was powered by 65 hp Continental O-170, are already ageing and need to be replaced. The L-4Js also has high wing so its aerobatic performance is very limited.