Fajarasia.co – Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, attended the inauguration of the Posthumous Surindro Supjarso Airman Captain Building at Iswahjudi Air Base, Magetan, East Java. The Surindro Supjarso building will be a place for air combat training and analysis.
Puan’s presence at the Iswahjudi Air Base, Thursday (16/6/2022), was welcomed by the Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo and the Commander of the Iswahyudi Airbase, Marsma TNI Mochammad Untung Suropati. The inauguration was also attended by a number of officers and soldiers and retired Indonesian Air Force.
Puan expressed her gratitude for the award given to the late Surindro Supjarso because the name of Megawati’s first husband was immortalized as the name of the building.
“I represent the extended family of the late Posthumous Flight Captain Surindro Supjarso, thank you profusely for the respect given, by using his name as the name of one of the buildings at Iswahjudi Air Base,” said Puan.
The inauguration of the building was also attended by Mohammad Rizki Pratama (Tatam) and Prananda Prabowo (Nanan), Megawati’s two children from her marriage to Surindro Supjarso. Meanwhile Megawati attended the virtual inauguration.
Posthumous Pnb Captain Surindro Supjarso was an Indonesian Air Force officer who died while on duty after the Skyvan T-701 plane he was piloting crashed in Biak Waters, Papua, in 1970. Puan hopes that embedding Surindro Supjarso’s name in the Iswahjudi Airbase can be a reminder of his duties and responsibilities in maintaining and filling Indonesia’s independence.
“He is one of the toughest combat pilots and has a patriotic spirit, who dedicates his life to safeguarding and defending the independence of the Indonesian nation,” he said.
Puan also apologized because her mother could not attend the inauguration of the Surindro Supjarso Building in person. Especially to fellow veterans, Surindro Supjarso, when he served as an Indonesian Air Force pilot.
“Let me convey greetings from Mrs. Mega to the elders and the wives of former 41 and 42 Squadron personnel, who once served and interacted with the late Posthumous Aviation Captain Surindro Supjarso and Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri,” said Puan.
“We also want to express our gratitude and high appreciation for your services and dedication to the nation and state,” continued the first woman who served as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives.
Furthermore, Puan mentioned how great the services of the heroes were. According to him, the next generation must always remember the services and dedication that the heroes have given to the nation and state.
“Pray for all of us so that we can continue the struggle to advance Indonesia,” said Puan.
Puan then quoted Soekarno’s statement in the celebration of the Indonesian Air Force’s Anniversary in 1951, which at that time was still called AURI. Bung Karno’s statement was: if the Indonesian armed forces want to be on par with the world’s armed forces, they must have a strong and ready air force.
“If our Armed Forces want to stand on a par, as high, as equal to the international world war forces, we must have the best Air Force,” added Puan, imitating her grandfather’s words.
According to the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, what Bung Karno said was reflected in the Indonesian Air Force’s motto, namely Swa Bhuwana Paksa. The motto implies that the Indonesian Air Force is an umbrella that protects the entire territory of Indonesia’s sovereignty and elevates the dignity of the nation and is determined to build it to become a glorious Indonesia in the air.
Therefore, Puan appreciated the presence of the Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) training facility at Iswahjudi Air Base which was also inaugurated today. The Surindro Supjarso building will be the ACMI training venue.
“Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation is an important part to realize Bung Karno’s ideals. Because ACMI is an important means to increase the knowledge and capabilities of Indonesian Air Force personnel, especially pilots, Ground Control Interceptors or Fighter Controllers and other support personnel,” he explained.
Puan said, ACMI became a weapon system to realize the Indonesian Air Force as a respected Air Force. He hopes that the modernization of TNI-AU facilities will be balanced with the progress of the development of its soldiers into superior Human Resources (HR).
“Because technology will continue to develop, defense threats will also continue to be dynamic. However, there are things that have not changed, namely Indonesia will continue to need TNI soldiers who are responsive, responsive and trengginas who have a high sense of patriotism,” said Puan.*****
