Apache, Golden Eagle, and F-16 Fighter Jets Will Color the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia

The roar of fighter jets split the sky over Jakarta on Wednesday (13/8/2025). From a distance, the fighter jets could be seen flying in a crossing formation. Shortly thereafter, a helicopter appeared, carrying a flag emblazoned with the logo of the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, along with the red and white flag.

On Wednesday, the Presidential Palace in Jakarta held a rehearsal for the 80th anniversary celebration of the Republic of Indonesia. The aircraft practiced before showcasing various attractions in front of President Prabowo Subianto and attendees during the commemoration ceremony of Indonesia's Independence Day on Sunday (17/8).

To ensure the smooth running of the event, the Palace held a rehearsal since Tuesday (12/8). According to the plan, the rehearsal will continue with a final rehearsal on Thursday (14/8).

The Head of the TNI AU Information Service, Air Marshal TNI Nyoman Suadnyana, revealed that a total of 52 TNI AU aircraft and helicopters currently in training will participate in the series of celebrations for the anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. The military equipment includes 12 F-16 fighter jets, five T-50 Golden Eagle aircraft, six Hawk 209 aircraft, and nine KT-1B aircraft. Additionally, there are four Caracal helicopters, two Super Puma helicopters, three Apache helicopters, three Panther helicopters, three AW-169 helicopters, and two Dauphin helicopters.

Not only the Air Force, but also the Army, Navy, and the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia participated in the celebration of independence. The defense equipment that will be showcased includes Apache helicopters from the Army, Panther helicopters from the Navy, AW-169 helicopters from the National Police, and Dauphin helicopters from the Search and Rescue Agency.

The Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that preparations for the 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia have now reached 70 percent. "There are still a few things that we need to improve, especially regarding the timing between one show and the next," he said.

According to Prasetyo, the interval between one attraction and another still needs to be refined. One aspect that will be improved is the display interval between aircraft to ensure that the timing and coordinates are more precise. The Palace wants the fighter jet attraction to be more enjoyable to watch.

The Minister of State Secretary indeed directly supervised the preparations and the dry run held over the two days. Not only the grounds of the Merdeka Palace, but he also inspected the entertainment facilities and public areas around the National Monument (Monas). This location will serve as an alternative for the public who do not gain access to the palace complex.

The palace has prepared various games for children who attend with their parents. "The essence is that we want all citizens who come to Monas to feel the same spirit and joy as those who can participate in the ceremony at the palace," he stated.

Not only that, the Palace is also preparing a public celebration at Monas. There will also be a freedom carnival starting Sunday evening, after the flag-lowering ceremony concludes.

Meanwhile, the flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the Proclamation Moments will be attended by 8,000 invitees. As for the flag-lowering ceremony in the evening, another 8,000 invitees will be present.

Prasetyo explained that all residents must collect the invitation no later than the afternoon of August 16, 2025. However, it is hoped that the collection process will not become congested at one time.

During the ceremony, the guests could enter the Merdeka Palace through eight prepared entrances. Among them were the palace gate across from Monas and the palace gate on Jalan Juanda.

The participants of the ceremony were also asked to read the invitation and the map provided. Each invitation will indicate from which entrance the participants can enter. The entrances include the gate of the Palace across from Monas, the gate on Jalan Juanda, and others.

"If everyone is orderly, reads, and follows the guidelines, things will go smoothly," Prasetyo added.