Indonesian Air Force Assures Pilots Remain Safe Despite Fuel Savings

JAKARTA - The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (KSAU), Marshal TNI Mohamad Tonny Harjono, has stressed that the TNI AU will not reduce the safety standards for its pilots despite efforts to economise on aviation fuel.

Tonny stated that the TNI AU is highly adaptable and professional in all conditions.

“We are not lowering the safety quality or the professionalism of our pilots,” said Tonny at the Indonesian Air Force Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Thursday (9/4/2026).

In this way, they are saving aviation fuel for a number of their defence equipment.

“We have devised strategies for several activities, for example, by combining patrols with training, and then optimising the flight hours allocated to all pilots,” said Tonny.

“This optimisation means that in one exercise, with a single flight, we can conduct two or three exercises. For instance, while training in formations or shooting, it is also combined with low-level flying for proficiency,” he added.

However, several P6 ATAV tactical vehicles were displayed at various points around the field, being the only defence equipment showcased in the celebration.

“We fully understand the global situation, so our Air Force anniversary commemoration ceremony is being held in a simple manner,” said the KSAU when met after the ceremony.