JAKARTA - A total of 81 TNI aircraft and helicopters will enliven the 81st Anniversary (HUT) of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia on August 17, 2026. The aerial attraction was started to be perfected through a trial run held in the courtyard of the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday, August 12.
The Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi said that the air attraction exercise was one of the important parts of the preparation of the series of independence anniversary ceremonies. The dirty gladi starts from 08.00 WIB involving dozens of planes and helicopters.
"So today we continue to practice dirty gladi. We started at 08.00 WIB. Well, we just saw, including the practice for the air demo which was attended by approximately 81, both aircraft and helicopters that we have," said Pras at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta.
According to Pras, the involvement of dozens of aircraft and helicopters requires high readiness, especially for TNI pilots and aviators who carry out various aerial maneuvers.
"We need to realize that flying, especially fighter planes, is not something light," he said.
A number of aircraft and helicopter maneuvers were also tested in the trial. In fact, the maneuver of three helicopters flying in close proximity made the training atmosphere tense.
"There were also some maneuvers that made me nervous, three helicopters close to each other, and thank God," said Pras.
He said the evaluation was carried out directly to ensure that each maneuver took place according to the coordinates that had been determined. This is important so that the aerial attraction can be seen right from the main podium where President Prabowo Subianto and state guests watched the ceremony.
"Especially where the President and guests will watch," he explained.
In addition to aerial attractions, preparations also include line-up exercises. The condition of the grass in the Merdeka Palace yard is one of the technical factors that must be adjusted by the participants.
Pras said the coach asked for additional training sessions to ensure all participants were able to adjust their movements to the conditions of the field.
"So the coaches asked for permission to increase the training portion and we immediately allowed it as the person in charge," he said.
In the dirty gladiatorial, two Indonesian Rafale fighter jets were also involved. The presence of Rafale is one of the air attractions that will be displayed in the celebration of the 81st Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia.
With the involvement of around 81 aircraft and helicopters, the air attraction is being prepared to be one of the main performances that will decorate the Jakarta sky during the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian Independence on August 17, 2026.
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