A Warm Moment Between Prabowo and King Abdullah II: Escorted by F-16s and a Reunion of Old Friends
AMMAN, KOMPAS.com - President Prabowo Subianto once again demonstrated the warmth and good relations he shares with the King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, during his working visit to the country from Tuesday (24/2/2026) to Wednesday (25/2/2026) local time. This good relationship was evident from the moment President Prabowo arrived in Jordanian airspace, before he even set foot on the ground in the Middle Eastern nation. This warm relationship continued until the President bid farewell to Jordan and headed to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The warmth began when the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan dispatched two F16 fighter jets to escort Prabowo’s arrival, as the presidential aircraft entered Jordanian airspace. This air escort was not merely a standard security procedure, but a symbol of high respect from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan towards Prabowo. The pilot of the F16 even exchanged messages with Prabowo via radio communication from the cockpit. He expressed his honour in welcoming President Prabowo to Jordan.
“Your Majesty, on behalf of His Majesty King Abdullah II and the people of Jordan, we are honoured to welcome you to Jordanian airspace. It is a great honour to escort your flight this evening. We hope you enjoy your visit and have a safe landing. Ramadan Mubarak, Mr. President,” said the pilot.
In response to the greeting, President Prabowo warmly replied, expressing his gratitude to King Abdullah II and the people of Jordan for the friendly welcome. “This is President Prabowo Subianto from Indonesia. I would like to thank you and your flight for being willing to receive and escort me,” he said. He then asked the pilot to convey his greetings to the pilot’s commander and King Abdullah II. Prabowo said he was happy to be back in Amman, Jordan. “And please convey to your commander and His Majesty the King how happy I am to be back in Amman, Jordan. Thank you very much, Lion Flight. This is Indonesia One. Once again, Ramadan Mubarak. May you all be blessed in this holy month. Wassalamualaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakatuh,” said President Prabowo. At that time, the escort was provided by 7 F-16 fighter jets and 3 T50 fighter jets belonging to the Indonesian Air Force.