Prabowo's Presidential Pilots Include Young Women

President Prabowo Subianto, since assuming office on October 20, 2024, has maintained a busy schedule of foreign diplomatic trips and domestic visits. His recent travels include a visit to the northernmost Indonesian island, Miangas, on May 9.

Behind these journeys are the skilled pilots of the presidential aircraft. Special presidential assistant Dirgayuza Setiawan highlighted that these pilots include women. Garuda Indonesia pilots fly the Boeing 777 for long-haul international flights. Among them is 31-year-old Captain Tania Citra, who became Garuda Indonesia's first female presidential pilot. Two years ago, at 29, she was the world's youngest female Boeing 777 pilot and is now also an instructor for the aircraft type.

For domestic and shorter international routes, the presidential Boeing 737 is flown by pilots from Air Force Squadron 17. Captain Ajeng Mahessa, 30, is noted as the world's youngest presidential 737 pilot and was a National Paskibraka member in 2011. Air Force Squadron 2 pilots operate the CN aircraft for travel to smaller cities and islands, including humanitarian missions to areas with short runways. Captain Yustikasari Diana Putri, 27, a graduate of SMA Taruna Nusantara, is among them.

Additionally, Air Force Squadron 31 pilots fly the C130 Hercules for transporting presidential equipment and supporting logistics, such as for rehabilitation operations in Sumatra. Captain Gini Setya Rahayu, 24, a graduate of SMA TN, is part of this squadron.