Gladi Dirty HUT RI ke-81, 81 Aircraft and TNI Helicopters Show Capability

JAKARTA - The dirty gladiatorial series of the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) was held at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (12/8/2026). In the exercise, about 81 TNI aircraft and helicopters were involved in an air demonstration.

The Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi said that the trial began at 08.00 WIB. One of the agenda of the exercise is a simulation of an air demonstration involving various types of aircraft and helicopters belonging to the TNI.

"Today we continue to practice dirty gladi. We started at 8 o'clock. Well, we just witnessed, including the practice for the air demo, which was attended by approximately 81, both aircraft and helicopters that we have," said Prasetyo Hadi after attending the first dirty gladi.

Prasetyo appreciated all TNI personnel, especially the pilots involved in the exercise. According to him, the ability of pilots to operate various types of aircraft and helicopters shows the readiness of Indonesian human resources in supporting the implementation of state ceremonies.

"Although it is still a practice, we also want to convey respect and appreciation to all TNI personnel. Especially our pilots, our pilots who fly both fighter planes, A400 planes and helicopters that risk safety, but we feel flying with full pride," he said.

A number of maneuvers are of concern.

Prasetyo admitted that a number of maneuvers in the air demonstration had made the atmosphere of the exercise tense. One of them was when three helicopters performed maneuvers in close proximity.

"There were also some, some maneuvers that made me nervous, three helicopters that were close together," he said.

However, he assessed that the exercise showed the professionalism and readiness of TNI personnel in operating the equipment they owned.

"Alhamdulillah, it turns out that if we are not inferior in human resources, we are ready with the best equipment. Of course all Indonesian children will give their best for their nation and country," said Prasetyo.

Evaluation of Air Demo Coordinates

After the dirty rehearsal was completed, an evaluation was immediately carried out to improve various technical aspects of the implementation of the ceremony. One of the concerns was the accuracy of the coordinates and the position of the aircraft and helicopter maneuvers.

Prasetyo said the maneuver position must be in accordance with the points that have been determined, especially when viewed from the main podium where the President and invited guests watched the ceremony.

"Several times we have immediately tried to evaluate, for example from the coordination side. The coordinates so that the position of the maneuver of both the plane and the helicopter is really centered, from the main podium especially where the President will be with the guests to watch," he explained.

According to Prasetyo, the adjustment was made to ensure that all air demonstration series could take place with precision during the implementation of the 81st Independence Day ceremony on August 17.

Paskibraka Training Plus

In addition to the air demonstration, an evaluation was also carried out on the readiness of members of the Pusaka Flag Raising Force (Paskibraka). A number of technical adjustments are needed due to the field conditions in the Presidential Palace area.

Prasetyo explained that the condition of the grass in the Istana area was quite thick, making the Paskibraka members need adjustments in carrying out the series of ceremonial movements.

"Technically, this is the hard grass or the field. Well, at the Palace it's quite thick, so it needs a little adjustment," he said.

Based on these considerations, the Paskibraka coach asked for additional training time. The government also gave permission to increase the training portion, including independent training outside the previously established schedule.

"So earlier the coaches asked for permission to increase the portion of training and immediately, we as the person in charge, we will allow it even outside the initial schedule, for partial rehearsals and dirty rehearsals, friends ask for permission to add hours of independent training," said Prasetyo.

The dirty gladiators are part of the government's series of preparations to ensure that all elements of the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia run smoothly, including the implementation of air demonstrations, the readiness of Paskibraka, to the technical implementation of the ceremony at the Presidential Palace.