Indonesian Air Force Jets Escort Egyptian President to Jakarta

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrived in Indonesia on Saturday, October 10, 2026, for a state visit marked by a high-level military escort and official ceremonies. The visit, which includes a scheduled meeting with President Prabowo, is intended to strengthen strategic ties between the two nations through a series of bilateral agreements.

Military Escort and Arrival at Halim Perdanakusuma

President El-Sisi’s aircraft was escorted upon entering Indonesian airspace by six Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) fighter jets. The escort formation included two Sukhoi SU-30s, two Sukhoi SU-27s, and two F-16s serving as support, according to military reports. The presidential plane touched down at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta at approximately 17:25 WIB.

Upon landing, the delegation was welcomed by a group of students waving the flags of both Indonesia and Egypt. The arrival ceremony also featured a flypast performed by the Indonesian Air Force to honor the visiting head of state. Dignitaries present at the base included Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman, Minister for Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha Nasir, and representatives from both the Indonesian and Egyptian diplomatic missions.

Leaders formalize bilateral agreements at Merdeka Palace

Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir described the visit as a reciprocal state trip following President Prabowo’s own visits to Egypt in 2024 and 2025. The primary objective is to deepen the strategic partnership between Jakarta and Cairo.

The formal state agenda is set for Sunday, October 11, at the Merdeka Palace. The schedule includes a formal welcome, a private “tete-a-tete” meeting between the two leaders, and broader bilateral discussions. Officials plan to sign several memoranda of understanding (MoU) covering visa regulations, statistical cooperation, and fisheries, alongside a comprehensive plan of action to enhance long-term strategic relations.

Traffic Adjustments for Sunday Activities

The state visit has prompted changes to local routines in Jakarta. The Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub) has shortened the duration of the Car Free Day (CFD) event on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman and Jalan M.H. Thamrin for Sunday, October 11. The event, which typically concludes at 10:00 WIB, will end at 09:00 WIB to facilitate traffic flow for the diplomatic proceedings.

Head of the Jakarta Transportation Agency, Budi Awaluddin, stated that the adjustment is necessary to support the security and logistics of the presidential visit. Authorities have advised the public to follow the directions of officers stationed along the major thoroughfares during the morning hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of President El-Sisi’s visit?

The visit serves as a reciprocal diplomatic action following President Prabowo’s travels to Egypt in 2024 and 2025. It aims to formalize strategic cooperation through new agreements on visas, fisheries, and statistical data sharing.

How is the public affected by the state visit?

Residents in Jakarta should expect traffic adjustments on Sunday, October 11, specifically regarding the Car Free Day (CFD) event on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman and Jalan M.H. Thamrin. The event will close an hour earlier than usual, at 09:00 WIB, to accommodate official state movements.

What specific military assets were used for the arrival?

The Indonesian Air Force deployed six fighter jets to escort the Egyptian presidential aircraft into Indonesian territory. This included two Sukhoi SU-27s, two Sukhoi SU-30s, and two F-16s.