81 Aircraft and Helicopters Ready to Celebrate the 81st Anniversary of Indonesia

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A total of 81 planes and helicopters will participate in an air demonstration for the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia's Independence Day on August 17, 2026. The preparations for the aerial display are being finalized thru a dry run in the courtyard of the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

The Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, said that the dry run started at 08:00 WIB and included a series of preparations, including an aerial demonstration involving TNI planes and helicopters.

"We have just witnessed, including the training for the air demo participated by approximately 81, both planes and helicopters that we have," Prasetyo said at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

He appreciates the TNI pilots and aviators involved in the air show. According to him, flying a fighter jet requires high skill and bravery because it carries a significant safety risk.

In the dry run, several maneuvers of the aircraft and helicopters were tested, including the maneuver of three helicopters flying in close proximity. He mentioned that there were several maneuvers that were quite tense, but the entire series of exercises went smoothly.

Evaluation is also conducted directly to ensure the coordinates of each maneuver align with the established scenario, especially so that the aerial attraction can take place right in front of the main podium where President Prabowo Subianto and the invited guests watch the ceremony.

"Especially where the President and the guests will be watching. So, we will directly evaluate and correct to ensure the readiness of the event series," he said.

In addition to aerial attractions, adjustments were also made to the marching drills. The condition of the grass in the courtyard of the Merdeka Palace, which is quite thick, became one of the technical factors affecting the rhythm of the training participants, prompting the coach to request an increase in the training quota.

On the occasion of the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's Independence Day this year, two Indonesian Rafale fighter jets will also be involved in the air show. The involvement of the Rafale jets will be the first in the celebration of Indonesia's Independence Day, and it will also be part of the TNI's preparations to showcase an air demonstration on August 17th.