Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

SBY Confirmed to Miss Independence Day Ceremony at Palace, Here's Why

| Source: CNBC Translated from Indonesian | Politics
SBY Confirmed to Miss Independence Day Ceremony at Palace, Here's Why
Image: CNBC

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi has confirmed that Indonesia’s sixth president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), will not attend the 81st Independence Day celebration at Merdeka Palace on 17 August 2026. This is because SBY is currently undergoing a medical examination.

“Yes, a medical check-up, actually just a routine examination, so it is most likely that he will not attend the proclamation seconds ceremony,” said Prasetyo at Merdeka Palace on Wednesday (12/8/2026).

As for the attendance of the fifth president, Megawati Soekarnoputri, and the seventh president, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), the palace has not yet received confirmation regarding their presence.

“For now, for now. We will update you once we have confirmation,” said Prasetyo.

During a review of the full dress rehearsal for the flag-raising ceremony, Prasetyo said that the evaluation concerned the coordinates of aircraft and helicopter manoeuvres that will pass over the palace during the event.

“Earlier it was also immediately corrected, and we immediately discussed the coordinates,” he said.

It is known that this year’s event will feature an air display involving 81 aircraft and helicopters. One of them is the French 4.5-generation Dassault Rafale fighter jet, which will be displayed for the first time.

“The first time (the Rafale is displayed),” said Prasetyo when asked for confirmation.

Several types of aircraft will be showcased, including transport aircraft, fighter jets, helicopters, and surveillance aircraft. The following is a list of the defence equipment to be deployed:

Indonesian Air Force transport aircraft:

  • Airbus A400M

  • CN-295

Indonesian Air Force fighter jets:

  • Rafale

  • F-16

  • Sukhoi 27/30

  • Hawk 100/200

  • T-50i Golden Eagle

Indonesian Air Force helicopters:

  • NAS-332 Super Puma

  • EC-725 Caracal

  • EC-120B Colibri

Indonesian Air Force trainer aircraft:

  • KT-1B Woong Bee

  • EC-120B Colibri

Indonesian Air Force surveillance aircraft:

  • Boeing 737-200

Indonesian Army helicopters:

  • Apache

Indonesian Navy helicopters:

  • Panther

Indonesian National Police helicopters:

  • AW-169

Basarnas:

  • AS 365 Dauphin

  • AW-139

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