TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force airport in East Jakarta is closed to visitors after a fighter jet caught fire before taking off earlier today, April 16. Dozens of police officers and military personnel are seen guarding the areas near the airport's entrance.
"There is no instruction from the commander to let anyone in for now," Air Force Military Police officer Muhammad Eddy said.
The Indonesian Air Force's fighter jet, an F-16 TS-1643, burst into flames on the runway before takeoff. The jet was scheduled to fly off during an event held as part of a ceremony bestowing President Joko Widodo as an honorary member of the Indonesian Military at the TNI headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta.
Thick smoke and flames engulfed the plane, prompting its pilot to jump out to safety.
RAYMUNDUS RIKANG