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 strict escort for the Indian presidential aircraft carrying Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The escort was maintained from the moment the aircraft entered Indonesian airspace until its landing at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Monday afternoon.
The Air India One presidential aircraft landed at the Halim Perdanakusuma Base Ops precisely at 17:20 WIB. President Prabowo Subianto personally welcomed PM Modi at the foot of the aircraft stairs, where the two leaders shared a warm handshake and a brief conversation before the official welcoming ceremony commenced.
PM Modi’s arrival marks a return state visit to Indonesia. The welcoming ceremony featured instrumental music from the TNI Music Unit and a six-gun salute. The atmosphere was further enlivened by traditional Indonesian dances accompanying the two leaders as they walked along the blue carpet.
During the event, President Prabowo introduced the attending cabinet ministers, including Foreign Minister Sugiono, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
Also present to welcome PM Modi were several Indian diplomatic officials, including the Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty, the Indian Ambassador to ASEAN Shri Srinivas Gotru, and the Indian Defence Attaché Captain Shiv Kumar.
Following the airport proceedings, PM Modi proceeded to his hotel, while President Prabowo departed the location in the Maung Garuda presidential vehicle.
Foreign Minister Sugiono explained that the official state agenda will begin on Tuesday at the Merdeka Palace. “The series of visits will commence at the Merdeka Palace, followed by a private meeting and then a bilateral meeting,” said Sugiono.
In addition to the Jakarta agenda, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta. This visit pertains to one of the points of agreement between Indonesia and India regarding the restoration efforts of the historic temple.