Teungku Nyak Sandang Receives Bintang Jasa Utama for Services of Historical RI-001 Seulawah

JAKARTA — President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, conferred the Bintang Jasa Utama on Teungku Nyak Sandang bin Lamudin. The award ceremony took place at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday, August 25, as a form of state recognition for Teungku Nyak Sandang's significant sacrifice in the nation's history.

Emotion filled the room as Teungku Nyak Sandang arrived in a wheelchair. President Prabowo then knelt before him to garland and pin the order.

When the host mentioned his contributions to the procurement of the Republic of Indonesia's first aircraft, the Seulawah RI-001, thunderous applause erupted from the audience, honoring his legacy of sacrifice for Indonesia.

Historically, Teungku Nyak Sandang was a key figure behind the creation of the Seulawah RI-001.

At the age of 23, he took the initiative to sell his land and gold. These funds, along with donations from other Acehnese people, were then handed over to the state and used by President Sukarno to purchase the aircraft that would later become the forerunner of Garuda Indonesia Airlines.

The presence of Seulawah RI-001 was not merely a means of transportation, but a symbol of the sovereignty of the newly independent nation. From Aceh, the spirit of solidarity radiated and strengthened the Indonesian people's resolve to stand on equal footing with other nations.

The award given by Prabowo reflects the state's appreciation for the sons of the nation who fought not only with weapons, but also with real sacrifice for sovereignty. Teungku Nyak Sandang left a lasting mark on the history of national aviation.