Dirgayuza Setiawan, the Special Assistant to the President for Communication and Policy Analysis, has shared an inspiring account of the dedicated young female pilots entrusted with executing President Prabowo Subianto’s flight missions across both domestic and international destinations. This compelling narrative highlights a new era in presidential travel, underscoring the remarkable skill and professionalism of these aviators.
These exceptional pilots are responsible for safely transporting President Prabowo during state visits, critical domestic missions, and vital logistics and humanitarian operations. Dirgayuza illuminated the stories of these impressive young women, who serve as the backbone of the presidential air fleet, through a series of posts on his personal Instagram account, @dirgayuza, on Tuesday (May 26).
His Instagram update featured eight captivating photographs showcasing these pioneering female pilots who meticulously manage the President’s demanding flight schedule. Among those highlighted was Captain Tania Citra, a pilot with Garuda Indonesia, who commands the majestic Boeing 777 for President Prabowo’s extensive long-haul international journeys. Her precision and expertise are crucial for such high-stakes missions.
In his post, Dirgayuza celebrated Captain Tania’s historic achievement, noting: “Garuda was established on March 31, 1950. Today, after 76 years of Garuda’s existence, on May 26, 2026, at 00:08 WIB, Tania became the first female Garuda Indonesia pilot to fly a sitting President. She is currently 31 years old.” This milestone underscores her profound impact on Indonesian aviation history.
Captain Tania’s remarkable career extends beyond presidential duties. She also holds the distinction of being the youngest female Boeing 777 pilot in the world, a title she earned at the age of 29. Further cementing her status as a global trailblazer, she now serves as the youngest female Boeing 777 instructor globally, balancing commercial flights with her prestigious presidential flight responsibilities.
Dirgayuza also shined a spotlight on the talents within Air Squadron 17, particularly Captain Ajeng Mahessa. Captain Ajeng skillfully pilots the presidential Boeing 737 for President Prabowo’s domestic trips and shorter-range international engagements, demonstrating unparalleled capability in managing critical regional air travel.
At just 30 years old, Captain Ajeng is recognized as the youngest female presidential Boeing 737 pilot in the world, a testament to her rapid ascent and exceptional proficiency. Her journey to the cockpit began with a foundation in discipline and service, as she was a member of the National Flag Hoisting Troop (Paskibraka) in 2011, before embarking on her illustrious aviation career.
The shared stories also introduced Captain Yustikasari Diana, affectionately known as “Tika,” a pilot from Air Squadron 2. Captain Tika specializes in executing presidential missions to smaller cities and islands, utilizing the versatile CN aircraft. At 27 years old, Tika also plays a vital role in various humanitarian operations, skillfully navigating challenging terrains with short runways. Dirgayuza remarked, “Her nickname is Tika. Age 27. Graduate of TN 24,” highlighting her impressive background.
Completing this roster of extraordinary women is Captain Gini Setya Rahayu, a pilot from Air Squadron 31, who commands the robust C-130 Hercules. Her missions are crucial for supporting the distribution of presidential equipment and facilitating national logistics operations. Born in 2001, Captain Gini, at 24 years old, has already become an integral part of rehabilitation operations in Sumatra, showcasing her dedication to national service. Dirgayuza noted, “Captain Gini Setya Rahayu. 24 years old. Born 2001. Graduate of SMA TN 27,” celebrating her youth and accomplishments.
Summary
The Special Assistant to the President for Communication and Policy Analysis, Dirgayuza Setiawan, has highlighted the exceptional young female pilots responsible for President Prabowo Subianto’s flight missions. These aviators expertly handle state visits, domestic operations, and humanitarian efforts. Among them, Captain Tania Citra, a Garuda Indonesia pilot, made history as the first female Garuda pilot to fly a sitting President on a Boeing 777. She is also recognized as the youngest female Boeing 777 pilot and instructor globally.
Other notable pilots include Captain Ajeng Mahessa from Air Squadron 17, who pilots the presidential Boeing 737 for domestic and shorter international trips and is the youngest female presidential Boeing 737 pilot worldwide. Captain Yustikasari Diana, or Tika, from Air Squadron 2, pilots the CN aircraft for missions to smaller cities and islands, including humanitarian operations. Finally, Captain Gini Setya Rahayu from Air Squadron 31 operates the C-130 Hercules for equipment distribution and logistics, playing a key role in national rehabilitation efforts.