Joesoef Drone Academy Partners with Republikorp and PENA Foundation to Strengthen Defence Foundations from an Early Age

The Joesoef Drone Academy (JDA) has successfully produced a new cohort of young drone pilots equipped with aerospace technology skills and a strong sense of national defence. Under the auspices of the South China Sea Council (SCSC) Youth Program, JDA conducted a Basic Level Junior Drone Pilot Training and Certification programme at the Cibubur Campground on 10-11 July 2026. A total of 46 high school students from Jakarta and West Java graduated from this defence human resources investment programme. JDA designed the entire training series to be intensive, tactical, and applicable. On the first day, the JDA curriculum evaluation took place, equipping participants with in-depth Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) theory, which was immediately implemented through simulation sessions and hands-on drone flying practice. Beyond technical aerospace aspects, JDA honed the students’ character, mentality, and leadership skills through reflection sessions and sharing moments. On the second day, competency standardisation was rigorously tested through an official written certification exam before participants were confirmed in the Junior Drone Pilot Inauguration Ceremony. This certification in Cibubur is a continuation of JDA’s previous intensive programmes. To ensure mature competence, JDA conducted comprehensive training in both field and classroom sessions. The programme began with the inauguration of JDA Batch 1 Jakarta on 25 April 2026 at Pusdirga Cibubur, Jakarta, and Batch 1 West Java, which opened on 25 May 2026 at the JDA West Java Secretariat in Cirata, West Bandung. A total of 91 students from SMA Negeri 39, SMA Negeri 98, SMA Negeri 99, and SMA Negeri 104 represented Jakarta, while SMK Negeri Maniis, SMK Negeri 1 Cipeundeuy, MA Karya Madani, and SMK Negeri 1 Cipatat were the official representatives from West Java in this long-term programme. The intensive training is scheduled to continue for the next six months, marking the initial step in fostering the younger generation in unmanned aviation technology under the SCSC Youth Program. The programme is designed to be sustainable and disciplined while still allowing room for character building and camaraderie among participants. ‘Through a long training track record, JDA is committed to equipping the younger generation with measurable and officially certified aerospace competencies, not just providing a fleeting experience,’ said JDA Chairman M Jasin Fadillah in a statement on Wednesday (15/7/2026). JDA’s tactical move to build national defence capacity from the grassroots level received full support from national defence figures. The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior retired TNI officers serving on the SCSC Board, including Marshal (Ret.) Imam Sufaat (Chairman of the SCSC Board), Vice Admiral (Ret.) Arie Soedewo (SCSC Board), and Air Marshal (Ret.) Hadiyan Sumintaatmadja (SCSC Board). Also present to provide moral and technical support within this ecosystem were Frank Wawolangi (Secretary General of SCSC), Air Marshal (Ret.) Eris Herryanto (Chairman of Pusdirga), Air Commodore (Ret.) Agung Sasongko Jati (Chairman of FASI & Chief Drone Instructor), Adhanni Akbar Alamsyah (CEO of Republikorp), and Dyah Tribuwana (Chairwoman of the PENA Foundation). The involvement of Republikorp and the PENA Foundation reflects a multi-party collaboration model that is increasingly relevant for Indonesia. Through this partnership, private sector elements and social foundations actively support the state in building a defence ecosystem. For Republikorp, involvement in JDA is an extension of its commitment to invest in human resource development from school age to support the defence industry from upstream to downstream. Meanwhile, for the PENA Foundation, this programme embodies its concern for providing a platform to develop the interests and talents of the younger generation outside conventional education pathways. The essence of the JDA programme is not merely the transfer of technical drone operating skills. Through intensive introduction to aerospace technology, students are expected to gain a broader perspective on military technology, geopolitical aspects, and a deepening love for the homeland. With the scale of participants in a single certification cohort, JDA has proven that the tactical synergy of the professional defence community, the private sector, and social foundations is an educational model highly worthy of replication in various other regions of Indonesia.