Prabowo's Message from the Cockpit of the Presidential Aircraft on the 80th Anniversary of the Indonesian Air Force: Protect Our Homeland!

Six Indonesian Air Force fighter aircraft conducted an escort for the Presidential Aircraft Indonesia One Six during its journey to Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday, 9 April 2026. The six escort jets consisted of four F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft and two KAI T-50 Golden Eagle aircraft.

The aerial escort was carried out professionally by the TNI AU as part of the VIP security procedure while President Prabowo departed from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta to Adisutjipto Air Base in Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY).

The escort operation also coincided with the series of events commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the TNI AU, serving as a reflection of national air defence readiness. President Prabowo stated that the Indonesian people are proud of the dedication and capabilities of the Republic of Indonesia Air Force personnel.

“I, Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia. Once again, on behalf of all the Indonesian people. We are proud of our Air Force. We are proud of our young eagles. Glory to the TNI Air Force. Swa Bhuwana Paksa, Happy 80th Anniversary,” said Prabowo via radio communication from the cockpit of the presidential aircraft, quoted from the Press, Media, and Information Bureau (BPMI) of the Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta, Friday, 10 April 2026.

Prabowo prayed for the TNI AU to continue to be victorious, strong, and reliable in protecting the state’s sovereignty from the air. He also expressed appreciation and pride to all the young eagles of the TNI for their boundless dedication demonstrated over eight decades.

“The Indonesian people are proud of you all. Protect, protect our Homeland. Thank you. My respects to you,” said President Prabowo.

Previously, via radio connection from the cockpit of the aircraft, the TNI AU pilots conducting the escort conveyed thanks for the President’s support for the modernisation of military equipment that has been ongoing since Prabowo served as Minister of Defence in 2019. This support is considered crucial in strengthening air power towards an Advanced Indonesia.

“We ask for prayers and blessings to always be given strength in carrying out our duties of devotion to the nation and state,” reported one of the pilots from the cockpit of the escort fighter aircraft.