Sultan Abdurrahman, Jakarta – Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has denied claims that Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto uses two presidential aircraft during overseas visits, calling the report inaccurate.
His statement responds to an article published in Tempo Magazine's February 1, 2026 edition.
Teddy said President Prabowo uses only one presidential aircraft operated by Garuda Indonesia when traveling abroad.
"There have been claims suggesting that the President now uses two state aircraft for foreign trips, and I confirm that this is not true," Teddy said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
He explained that while an additional aircraft does accompany the president on international visits, it is not a presidential aircraft. The accompanying plane is a Boeing 737 operated by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU).
According to Teddy, even before assuming office, Prabowo frequently used aircraft owned by his private company for travel.
"As president, during foreign trips, he initially used his private aircraft along with a TNI Air Force Boeing 737," Teddy said.
The military aircraft, he added, is used to transport security personnel, support staff, and logistics. "It is not a presidential aircraft. By law and regulation, the president must be accompanied by the Presidential Security Force, protocol officers, a medical team, foreign ministry officials, journalists, and other personnel," he said.
Teddy stressed that over the past year, Prabowo has consistently used only one presidential aircraft on overseas trips. He also said the number of accompanying personnel has been reduced.
"We now limit the delegation. Only those who need to go will go," he said.
Currently, Prabowo uses a Garuda Indonesia Boeing 777 for international travel. Teddy said the aircraft was chosen not only for its capacity but also as a symbol of Indonesia's stature and national carrier.
"The President wants to showcase Indonesia's strength when visiting friendly countries," Teddy said, adding that the aircraft's interior configuration remains standard, with no special modifications for presidential or VIP use.
Tempo Magazine previously reported that early in his presidency, Prabowo often used two aircraft for foreign trips, with one carrying the president and close aides and the other transporting accompanying officials and diplomats.