Air Force Chief: Air power built on values of service, not just operations

Sleman (ANTARA) - Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff (Kasau), Air Chief Marshal M. Tonny Harjono, stated that air power is not only built through operational capability but is also rooted in the values of service passed down from one generation to the next. “The values inherited by our predecessors remain the same. What continues to change is the way we manifest them in accordance with the challenges of the times,” said the Air Chief Marshal while leading the 79th Air Force Service Day Commemoration Ceremony at the Dirgantara Field of the Air Force Academy (AAU) in Yogyakarta on Wednesday. The Air Chief Marshal noted that each generation of soldiers faces different dynamics of service challenges. While predecessors fought to seize and defend independence with limited resources, today’s soldiers are confronted with the complexity of technological developments, geopolitical dynamics, cyber threats, information warfare, and the character of multi-domain operations. These strategic steps are directed at building comprehensive Air Force readiness to safeguard the sovereignty of national airspace, carry out every state assignment professionally, and strengthen the national defence system. Beyond safeguarding aerospace sovereignty, the spirit of Service Day is also concretely manifested through various forms of social service, including natural disaster response and an active role in preparing the nation’s next generation of quality leaders. On this occasion, the Air Chief Marshal advised all soldiers and civil servants of the Indonesian Air Force to always regard every assignment as an honour. He encouraged his ranks to make every dynamic of change a motivation to continue learning and to turn every challenge into an opportunity to enhance professionalism and integrity. “With that spirit, we will continue to provide the best service to the nation, as a manifestation of the Indonesian Air Force’s Service for an Advanced Indonesia,” the Air Chief Marshal asserted. The commemoration ceremony was also enlivened by a performance of musical attractions and dexterity formations by the AAU Cadet Drum Band “Gita Dirgantara,” reflecting the discipline, leadership spirit, and high fighting morale of the cadets. Through the momentum of the 79th Service Day, the exemplary conduct and service spirit of the founding fighters are expected to continue inspiring all Indonesian Air Force soldiers and civil servants in dedicating their service to the nation and state.