Jakarta (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — Following his inauguration by President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace, Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, the new Chief of Air Staff (KSAU), outlined three key national security priorities, as highlighted by Professor Muradi on Friday, April 5, 2024, a Political Science and Security Studies Professor at Padjadjaran University.
According to Prof. Muradi, the first priority focuses on securing the airspace around the Nusantara Capital City (IKN). With the upcoming operationalization of the IKN in August, ensuring air security in the vicinity becomes paramount.
“Securing the airspace around the IKN is crucial given its sensitivity, especially as it becomes operational and inhabited in August,” Prof. Muradi emphasized.
Additionally, Prof. Muradi pointed out the second priority, which involves the transition of the Flight Information Region (FIR) in the Riau Islands (Kepri) and Natuna regions, now fully under Indonesian control after being managed by Singapore.
“In terms of geopolitics in Southeast Asia, we must prioritize security measures to support the Navy, particularly in the South China Sea, as political conditions in China may escalate in the next 1-2 years,” he explained.
Regarding the appointment of Tonny, a graduate of the Air Force Academy in 1993, Prof. Muradi acknowledged his suitability for the position but emphasized the need for him to strengthen internal cohesion within the Air Force, especially in the first 100 days.
“While Tonny is qualified for the role, he needs to further engage with senior officers, especially those from earlier batches, to foster unity within the Air Force,” Prof. Muradi elaborated.
Tonny’s appointment as KSAU came following President Joko Widodo’s decision, as outlined in Presidential Decree No. 20/TNI/2024 signed on March 25, 2024. This change comes as Air Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo, the previous KSAU , approaches retirement on April 9, 2024.
Air Marshal Fadjar has served as KSAU since his inauguration at the State Palace on May 20, 2020, alongside Admiral Yudo Margono, who assumed the role of Chief of Naval Staff (KSAL). Both appointments were made under Presidential Decrees No. 32 and 33/TNI/2020 regarding the dismissal and appointment of IKN and KSAU and Presidential Decrees No. 34 and 35/TNI/2020 regarding promotions within the senior officer ranks of the Indonesian Armed Forces.
