"Make the utmost efforts to fulfill your duties and make innovative and creative breakthroughs according to the Air Force's special regard for science and technology," he told Harjono during an office handover ceremony at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, on Friday.
Subiyanto said that he considers such breakthroughs vital to augment the Air Force's prowess, which, in turn, is expected to make the military institution more competitive at the Asian and global levels.
He also urged Harjono to adapt and maintain all the defense equipment that was under the charge of his predecessor, Marshall Fadjar Prasetyo.
"I want you to maintain the preparedness level of operations while taking good care of all defense equipment, including aircraft, radars, missiles, and air bases," he instructed Harjono.
He also expressed the hope that the Air Force will continue to carry out its mandate in safeguarding Indonesian sovereignty and airspace under its new leader.
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Hadi Tjahjanto; chief of the National Police (Polri), General Listyo Sigit Prabowo; Defense Deputy Minister Muhammad Herindra; Naval Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali; and Army Chief of Staff, General Maruli Simanjuntak, attended the ceremony.
Earlier, President Joko Widodo appointed Harjono as Chief of the Air Staff in place of Marshall Prasetyo, who will retire on April 9.
Presidential special staff coordinator Ari Dwipayana on Tuesday informed that the appointment of Harjono as the Air Force chief was put forward in a presidential decree signed on March 25.
Harjono's predecessor was inaugurated by President Widodo at the State Palace on May 20, 2020.
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Translator: Walda M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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