State Secretary evaluates aircraft coordinates and adds Paskibraka training

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, who is serving as the chair of the 81st Indonesian Independence Day commemoration committee, stated that several evaluations emerged from the first full rehearsal of the proclamation ceremony at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday. Prasetyo noted that the evaluations included the flight coordinates of aircraft and helicopters during aerial manoeuvres, ensuring they are precisely centred on the designated position from the main podium where President Prabowo Subianto and invited guests will observe the ceremony. “We have already tried to evaluate several things directly. For example, from the coordinate side, so that the position of the manoeuvres for both the planes and helicopters is truly centred from the main podium where the President and guests will be watching,” said Prasetyo. The rehearsal involved a demonstration flight with around 81 aircraft and helicopters, and Prasetyo expressed appreciation for the TNI personnel, especially the pilots involved. In addition to the aerial evaluation, adjustments were also made for the Paskibraka flag-hoisting squad. One influencing factor was the condition of the field on the palace grounds, particularly the thickness of the grass. According to him, the thicker grass at the palace compared to their previous training location required the Paskibraka members to make technical adjustments. As a result, the Paskibraka trainers requested additional independent training sessions outside the predetermined schedule. The request was approved to ensure the squad members can adapt to the palace field conditions. “So the trainers asked for permission to add training portions, and we, as the responsible party, immediately allowed it, even though it is outside the initial schedule for both partial and full rehearsals. They asked to be allowed to add independent training hours,” he said.