HUT RI ke-81, Dua Rafale Indonesia Pertama Kali Ikut Atraksi Udara di Istana

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi. (IST)

JAKARTA - Two Indonesian Rafale fighter jets will be deployed for the first time in an air attraction on the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. The two are part of about 81 aircraft and helicopters that are prepared to perform around the Merdeka Palace.

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said two Rafales had participated in a trial in the Istana Merdeka, Jakarta, Wednesday, August 12.

"Yes, Rafale also participated. This is the first time that the two Rafales owned by Indonesia have been deployed for an attraction," said Prasetyo.

The air demonstration also involved other fighter planes, A400 planes, and a number of helicopters.

According to Prasetyo, the Wednesday exercise is still being evaluated, including the position and coordinates of the aircraft maneuver to be right in front of the main podium where President Prabowo Subianto and guests watch the attraction.

"Yes. We have tried to evaluate it several times. For example, from the side of the coordinates so that the position of the aircraft and helicopter maneuvers from the main podium is really centered," he said.

He said several helicopter maneuvers were carried out in close proximity. All the exercises, said Prasetyo, went smoothly.

In addition to aerial attractions, the preparation of the ceremony is also being improved. The ceremony team must adjust the training to the conditions of the Istana yard, which has thicker grass than the previous training site.

The coach then asked for additional time for self-training and has received permission from the committee.

The government also added one block of spectators with a capacity of around 3,400 people who will be divided into morning and afternoon sessions.