Indonesian Air Force Soldiers Share Transformative Experiences at U.S. Military Training Programs

Malang: For three Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) military personnel, training in the United States was more than just an opportunity to enhance technical expertise—it was a life-changing experience that expanded their horizons.

The three officers, hailing from different regions of Indonesia, each received specialized training from U.S. military institutions, gaining valuable knowledge and immersing themselves in a new learning environment alongside their American counterparts. They also graduated with distinction, ranking among the top of their class.

Capt. I Putu S. Kedaton, a Flight Instructor at Adi Sucipto Airbase in Yogyakarta, said he joined the training program at the Squadron Officer School (AETC), Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Beyond aviation expertise, Putu learned the art of teaching and effective communication skills that he now applies as an instructor in mentoring the next generation of Indonesian Air Force pilots.

“The way they communicate with me is by inviting me to speak during discussions,” he said as quoted from U.S Embassy statement. 


Lettu Riszi B. Prasetyo (second right) taking picture with U.S. military fellows. Photo: U.S Embassy Jakarta


Meanwhile, First Lieutenant Riszi Bagus Prasetyo, Head of the Component Workshop at Maintenance Unit 33 in Malang, East Java, studied the aircraft electrical and environmental systems for U.S.-made aircrafts, such as the Hercules C-130 and F-16.  He participated in training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, from September to December 2024.

One aspect that stood out to him was the self-discipline that he witnessed in his American classmates. He also said that the American colleagues he met in Texas were humble and “very welcoming toward foreign citizens.”

Amazingly fun

For Capt. Stella Wardhany, Head of the Maintenance Production Quality Subsection at Maintenance Unit 23 in Jakarta, training in the United States meant gaining specialized expertise in aircraft calibration systems.

She said, “It’s amazingly fun. And when we found difficulties in understanding the material, the instructor and students played a game which helped us understand the materials better.” Participating in the Precision Measurement Equipment Lab program at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Stella discovered insights that she now applies in her work.  

Reflecting on his time in the United States, Putu hopes that more Indonesian Air Force officers will have the chance to experience similar training opportunities abroad. “Opportunities to study in the U.S. will surely help us as Air Force officers to think with a broader perspective,” he said.  


Capt. I Putu S. Kedaton. Photo: U.S Embassy Jakarta


Stella encourages young people in Indonesia to keep learning and to broaden their perspective. “Don’t be afraid to take opportunities, because they might not come around a second time,” she said.

Each year, the U.S. government sponsors approximately 200 Indonesian military personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force to participate in training programs across the United States.  

These programs provide valuable technical expertise, leadership skills, and cross-cultural experiences that help strengthen Indonesia’s defense capabilities.  These opportunities are one way the United States and Indonesia continue to strengthen an enduring defense partnership.