Indonesian Air Force explains fighter jets flying over Jakarta
The Indonesian Air Force Information Service (Dispenau) has confirmed that fighter jet flight activity over Jakarta was part of pilot training to support the Merdeka Run event in commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence.
In an official press statement, Head of the Indonesian Air Force Information Service (Kadispenau), Air Commodore I Nyoman Suadnyana, explained that the training procession had been underway since the early hours of Friday (28/8).
“On Friday, three F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft took off from Iswahjudi Air Base heading towards the Jakarta area with a target around the National Monument (Monas). After carrying out the flight according to the planned route, the three aircraft then landed at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base,” Nyoman explained in Jakarta on Friday (28/8).
Nyoman added that on Saturday morning (29/8/2026), the three F-16 fighter jets would once again take to the skies over Jakarta to perform a flypast manoeuvre during the opening of the Merdeka Run, before returning to their home base at Iswahjudi Air Base in Magetan, East Java.
The Merdeka Run event is scheduled to cover an 8-kilometre route starting from the State Palace area in Jakarta, beginning at 04.00 WIB.
In addition to the F-16 fighter jets, the Indonesian Air Force also deployed other supporting equipment to enliven the event.
“Besides the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the flight series also involved a CN-295 aircraft carrying parachutists and an EC-725 Caracal helicopter carrying a giant flag. The entire series was combined with the implementation of the Merdeka Run as part of the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence,” explained the Kadispenau.
Regarding the training coinciding with the dynamics of demonstrations in the capital area, the Indonesian Air Force firmly denied speculation linking the deployment of air defence equipment to the protest actions.
Nyoman stressed that all aircraft movements were purely intended for the preparation of aerial attractions in support of the independence day commemoration activities.