Indonesian Air Force Appreciates Press Works via Kasau Awards 2026
The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) has once again held the Chief of Staff of the Air Force (Kasau) Awards. This event was organised as a space for appreciation for members of the press who have brought the TNI AU closer to the public through journalistic works.
“We are holding the Kasau Awards again as a form of recognition and appreciation from the Indonesian Air Force to the press members who have shown attention to the various activities and services of the Indonesian Air Force,” said Air Chief Marshal Tonny Harjandum, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, in his remarks at Air Force Headquarters, Cilangkap, Jakarta, on Tuesday (1/9/2026).
He stated that journalistic works play a vital role in presenting the face of Indonesian aerospace to the public. The 2026 Kasau Awards adopted the theme ‘Limitless Devotion, Powerful TNI AU, Advanced Indonesia’.
“This is so that the public can understand the Indonesian Air Force in its entirety, including its professionalism, innovation, initiative, humanitarian activities, and its closeness to the community,” he said.
This year, 346 journalistic works from various national and regional mass media participated in the Kasau Awards 2026. Five categories were contested: strategic issues, human interest issues, television news, television features, and photojournalism.
For each category, a jury selected three winners. The articles, photos, and videos entered were materials previously broadcast or published in their respective media outlets, adhering to journalistic codes of ethics and ensuring no plagiarism.
“This diversity clearly demonstrates that the Indonesian Air Force has a wide spectrum of roles. It also demands continuous adaptation, the building of modern capabilities, the maintenance of professionalism, the pursuit of excellence, and the continued prioritisation of the human side in every execution of duty,” he expressed.
Through high-quality works, the public becomes acquainted with the activities of the TNI AU and develops greater air and space awareness for the life and future of Indonesia. He noted that aerospace awareness needs to be nurtured as it is a vital part of Indonesia’s journey towards progress.
“The Indonesian Air Force needs the media to convey various information to the public openly and meaningfully. The partnership between the Indonesian Air Force and the media must continue to be built on the basis of openness, professionalism, and mutual respect,” he said.
He expressed hope that the Kasau Awards would continue to serve as a meeting point between the TNI AU and the press, strengthening ties and encouraging the creation of even higher-quality journalistic works regarding Indonesian aerospace.
“This is the part we can contribute to together in the spirit of the limitless devotion of the powerful TNI AU for an Advanced Indonesia. Let us continue to enliven the passion for Indonesian aerospace together,” he concluded.
Below is the list of winners for the Kasau Awards 2026:
Strategic Issues Category: Kompas.com (Behind the Great Wings of the A400M, There is a Mission to Save Lives)
Human Interest Issues Category: SinarPerbatasan.com (The Wings of TNI AU’s Devotion at the Edge of the Country, Guarding the Skies, Lighting Hope)
TV News Program Category: CNN Indonesia TV (TNI AU Training, Fighter Jets Landing on a Toll Road)
TV Feature Program Category: Kompas TV (Air Squadron 1s7, “Kencana Zero Four”)
Photojournalism Category: Antara (Distribution of Aid to Isolated Locations in Agam)
The Chief of Staff also presented awards to several Air Force Base Commanders (Danlanud) for their collaboration and for acting as bridges for journalists in their respective regions. The list includes:
Danlanud Soewondo, Air Vice Marshal Tiopan Hutapea
Danlanud Raden Sadjad, Air Vice Marshal Onesmus Gede Rai Aryadi
Danlanud Sultan Iskandar Muda, Colonel Suryo Anggoro
Danlanud Sri Mulyono Lambang, Colonel Asep Wahyu Wijaya
Danlanud Sutan Sjahrir, Colonel Wahyu Bintoro
Danlanud Johannes Abraham Dimara, Colonel Beny Aprianto