AM Hendropriyono Welcomes Air Force Chief to Majapahit Palace in Jakarta
Chief of the Indonesian Air Force (KSAU) Marshal TNI Mohamad Tonny Harjono visited the Majapahit Palace in Jakarta. Marshal Tonny was personally welcomed by the founder of the palace, AM Hendropriyono.
In his welcoming address, Hendropriyono said he had deliberately invited Marshal Tonny and his entourage to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU). As a former soldier, Hendropriyono stated that he felt it necessary to share in the pride and commemorate the birthdays of each branch of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
“I first greeted my senior, Muzani Syukur, Deputy Chairman of the Legion of Veterans, whom we are very grateful to for joining us along with our children, whom we all take pride in. Together, we commemorate the birthday of the Indonesian Air Force,” said Hendropriyono in his address on Wednesday (22/4/2026).
“I would feel guilty if, as a former soldier raised almost our entire lives in the military, we did not remember its birthday. This is a commemoration, not a party. But it is a happy day, a phenomenal day. We must be grateful for it, because we must commemorate it,” he continued.
Marshal Tonny and his entourage toured several areas of the Majapahit Palace. Marshal Tonny was then introduced to a golden-coloured royal carriage. This carriage, which was always ridden by Javanese kings in their time, greets every guest arriving at the right side of the palace gate.
Marshal Tonny and Hendropriyono visited several other meaningful areas before entering the main hall of the Gajahmada Balairung pavilion. Inside the room, all attending TNI members were entertained with traditional dances and a screening of a film about the struggle.
Hendropriyono explained that the construction of the Majapahit Palace aims to remind everyone that the Indonesian nation was born from a great civilisation. Its construction was not haphazard, as it involved experts.
“Our goal in building this is to remind us all that we come from a great nation,” said Hendropriyono.
“In fact, if we dig deeper, 200 years before the American continent was discovered, we were already like this. So we need to break through this; we need to rebuild the world’s image of us. Alhamdulillah, several ambassadors have already come here, seen it, and been amazed. Yes, because they have been influenced by international media that indeed belittles us as a nation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Marshal TNI Tonny Harjono expressed his admiration for Hendropriyono’s continued great attention to the TNI AU.
“I will share a little story that about a week ago, I was called by him, and he conveyed birthday wishes to the Air Force. I was surprised; he is so attentive to the Air Force, even making an extraordinary film. Thank you, Mr Hendropriyono,” said Tonny in his address.
“So we are endlessly in awe of you, sir; thank you for your attention. Thank you for inviting us to the Majapahit Palace,” he added.
Marshal Tonny urged that the first Air Force commander, Suryadi Suryadarma, be awarded national hero status. This effort serves as a form of respect for the history and fighters of the TNI AU.
“Then, we also ask for prayers and blessings from the elders and seniors; we never forget history. Currently, we are endeavouring to obtain national hero status for Mr Suryadi Suryadarma,” said Tonny.
“We ask for prayers and blessings so that soon the first Chief of the Air Force can be awarded national hero status,” he added.