Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Air Force said fighter jets flying over Jakarta were conducting training for Merdeka Run, part of celebrations marking Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day.
Speaking to ANTARA in Jakarta on Friday, Air Force Spokesman First Marshal I Nyoman Suadnyana said the training began early Friday, coinciding with demonstrations still taking place in Jakarta.
“On Friday, three F-16 Fighting Falcons took off from Iswahjudi Air Base for Jakarta, targeting the area around the National Monument. After following the planned route, they landed at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base,” Nyoman said.
On Saturday (August 29), the three fighter jets will return to Jakarta for a flypast during the opening of Merdeka Run before returning to Iswahjudi Air Base in Magetan, East Java.
Merdeka Run, an eight-kilometer race, is scheduled to begin at 4 a.m. local time Saturday from the State Palace in Jakarta.
“Besides the F-16 Fighting Falcons, the flight formation will include a CN-295 carrying parachutists and an EC-725 Caracal helicopter carrying a giant flag,” Nyoman said.
He said the flights would be integrated with Merdeka Run as part of celebrations marking Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day.
Nyoman denied that the fighter jet deployment was conducted for purposes unrelated to Merdeka Run.
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Translator: Walda M, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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