Nyak Sandang, Contributor to Indonesia's First Aircraft Purchase, Passes Away

Sad news has enveloped the family of Nyak Sandang (100). The grandfather who contributed to the purchase of Indonesia’s first aircraft, Seulawah RI-001, passed away this afternoon.

“Grandfather passed away at 12 o’clock today at home,” said Nyak Sandang’s granddaughter, Ataillah, as reported by detikSumut on Tuesday (7/4/2026).

Nyak Sandang had been spending most of his time at home due to his age. He had been hospitalised several times in the past.

Ataillah stated that Nyak Sandang will be buried in his hometown in Lhuet Village, Jaya Subdistrict, Aceh Jaya. Currently, the funeral rites are underway.

“Grandfather passed away at the age of 100,” Ataillah explained.

President Prabowo Subianto once awarded the Bintang Jasa Utama honour to Teungku Nyak Sandang bin Lamudin. The 98-year-old grandfather from Aceh was one of the contributors to the purchase of Indonesia’s first aircraft, Seulawah RI-001.

Nyak Sandang received the honour directly at the Istana Negara in Jakarta on 25 August 2025. Nyak Sandang attended in a wheelchair, assisted by his family.