Jakarta – As the Indonesian Air Force celebrated its 71st anniversary over the weekend, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo praised the country's airmen for safeguarding national airspace.

Jokowi delivered his congratulatory speech on a visit to Halim Perdanakusuma air base in East Jakarta on Sunday afternoon (09/04), following a tour to Central Java last week.

Jokowi, along with first lady Iriana Widodo, were welcomed by Air Force chief Hadi Tjahjanto to Jakarta's second airport, where the presidential couple posed for photographs with 152 fighter pilots before hopping on board a Sukhoi 27/30 Flanker jet to address ranking officials.

"Happy 71st anniversary to the Indonesian Air Force. Thank you for safeguarding the sovereignty and unity of the Republic of Indonesia's airspace," Jokowi said. "Please, continue your beloved duties as professional soldiers," the president added.

Jokowi and Iriana shook hands with dozens of fighter pilots before departing the airport.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/jokowi-praises-air-force-71st-anniversary/