Prabowo Douses Rafale Fighter Jets with Flower Water Using a Coconut-Shell Dipper

President Prabowo Subianto handed over six Dassault Rafale fighter jets to the Indonesian National Armed Forces at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Monday, 18 May 2026. In the ceremony, the moment when Prabowo sprayed the Rafale jets with flower water drew attention. The handover of the jets was performed symbolically by presenting the key to the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, Agus Subiyanto. The presence of Rafale jets forms part of strengthening the Indonesian Armed Forces’ main weapons system (alutsista). In a video uploaded by the Instagram account @militer.udara, Prabowo is seen performing the flower-water spraying ceremony on the aircraft’s nose cone bearing the serial number 04. Using a traditional coconut-shell dipper, Prabowo washed the aircraft’s fuselage in a solemn atmosphere. The ceremony is described as a symbol of blessing, safety, and hope that the metal bird may safeguard Indonesia’s air sovereignty. Rafale is a 4.5 generation fighter jet manufactured by Dassault Aviation. Indonesia has become one of the operators of the aircraft after the Defence Ministry purchased 42 units in stages. In his speech, Prabowo stressed that the augmentation of defence equipment (alutsista) is an important part of strengthening the national defence posture. “We have just officially, in accordance with our adat, received an augmentation of defence equipment for our Air Force. We have received six Rafale fighter jets,” Prabowo told military officials and invited guests. Prabowo emphasised that strengthening Indonesia’s military power is not for aggressive purposes, but as a deterrent function to safeguard the national territory. “We must continue to enhance our defence capabilities as a deterrent. We have no interest other than to protect our own territory,” Prabowo said.