Exercise "Sikatan Daya" 2026 Showcases Readiness of TNI AU

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Air Force continues to strengthen national air defense readiness thru the Air Force Regional Command II Alert Exercise II "Sikatan Daya" 2026. The exercise tested operational capabilities, personnel professionalism, and inter-agency synergy in handling violations of Indonesian airspace by foreign aircraft.

The training stages held at Sultan Hasanuddin Air Force Base, Makassar, on Monday, May 25, 2026, simulated the handling of a forced landing of a foreign aircraft that entered national airspace without permission.

The event was directly witnessed by the Commander of the Air Region Command II (Pangkodau II), Rear Marshal M. Untung Suropati, along with the Commander of the Indonesian Air Force Operations Command (Pangkoopsau), Rear Marshal Djoko Hadipurwanto.

Based on the press release received by RRI Voice of Indonesia, Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the simulation began with a report from Sector Command II (Kosek II) regarding the presence of the foreign aircraft "Lasa X" entering Indonesian airspace. Following up on the report, Sukhoi fighter jets immediately conducted a scramble or rapid deployment to carry out forced descent actions in accordance with air defense procedures.

The foreign aircraft then landed at Sultan Hasanuddin Air Force Base under tight escort by the Vehicle Control Patrol (VCP) to the Baseops apron for further security and inspection processes.

The joint security team then established a security perimeter before negotiations and initial inspections of the aircraft crew were conducted by the TNI AU investigators.

The next steps include health checks and disinfection spraying by the health team along with personnel from the Quick Reaction Force (Pasgat). In addition, the K-9 team also conducted a sweep of the aircraft to detect the possibility of dangerous or prohibited items.

After the situation was declared safe, a coordinated inspection was conducted with several related ministries and agencies, including Customs, Immigration, Quarantine Office, Health Quarantine Office, Airport Authority Region V, and Airport Aviation Security.

The exercise involved various elements of the Indonesian Air Force, including personnel from Squadron 5, Squadron 11, Pasgat, Air Force Military Police (Pomau), intelligence, and legal elements from Sultan Hasanuddin Air Base.