Three F-16s and Two Sukhois Escort Indian PM Narendra Modi's Arrival in Jakarta

Three F-16 fighter jets and two Sukhoi Su-27/30 aircraft from the Indonesian Air Force provided a close escort to the Indian presidential aircraft carrying Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The escort commenced as the aircraft entered Indonesian airspace and continued until it landed at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Monday afternoon. The presidential aircraft, Air India One, touched down at Base Ops Halim Perdanakusuma at precisely 17:20 WIB. President Prabowo Subianto personally welcomed PM Modi at the foot of the aircraft steps. The two leaders exchanged a warm handshake and a brief conversation before commencing the official welcoming ceremony. PM Modi’s arrival is a reciprocal state visit to Indonesia. The welcoming ceremony featured instrumental music from the Indonesian Armed Forces Music Corps and a six-gun salute. The atmosphere was further enlivened by a traditional Nusantara dance performance that accompanied the two leaders along the blue carpet. During the occasion, President Prabowo introduced the attending cabinet ministers, including Foreign Minister Sugiono, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. Also present to welcome PM Modi were several Indian diplomatic officials, including Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty, Indian Ambassador to ASEAN Shri Srinivas Gotru, and Defence Attaché Captain Shiv Kumar. Following the airport ceremony, PM Modi proceeded to his hotel, while President Prabowo departed in the Maung Garuda presidential vehicle. Foreign Minister Sugiono explained that the official state agenda would commence on Tuesday at Merdeka Palace. In addition to the Jakarta agenda, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta. This visit is linked to an agreement between Indonesia and India concerning the restoration of the historic temple.