For three Indonesian Air Force officers, training in the United States provided significant personal and professional development. Their experience not only enhanced their technical skills but also broadened their global perspective. These officers, hailing from various Indonesian regions, underwent specialized training at U.S. military institutions, achieving top rankings in their classes.
Capt. I Putu S. Kedaton, a Flight Instructor at Adi Sucipto Airbase in Yogyakarta, attended the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. During his training, he learned effective teaching and communication techniques. "The way they communicate with me is by inviting me to speak during discussions," said Kedaton.
First Lieutenant Riszi Bagus Prasetyo, responsible for the Component Workshop at Maintenance Unit 33 in Malang, East Java, focused on aircraft electrical and environmental systems at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. He highlighted the self-discipline and hospitality of his American classmates, saying they were "very welcoming toward foreign citizens."
Capt. Stella Wardhany, Head of Maintenance Production Quality Subsection at Maintenance Unit 23 in Jakarta, gained insight into aircraft calibration systems at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. She noted the engaging training methods, saying, "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."
Reflecting on the experience, Kedaton expressed a desire for more Indonesian officers to train abroad in the future. "Opportunities to study in the U.S. will surely help us as Air Force officers to think with a broader perspective," he said. Stella Wardhany echoed this sentiment, encouraging young Indonesians to seize learning opportunities, stating, "Don't be afraid to take opportunities, because they might not come around a second time."
Annually, the U.S. government sponsors approximately 200 Indonesian military personnel from the various service branches to participate in training programs in the United States. These initiatives aim to enhance technical knowledge and leadership skills while fostering cross-cultural understanding, thereby strengthening the defense partnership between the United States and Indonesia.