Jakarta — Menanda Putra Duta stood tall with pride on Wednesday (July 23) as he received the prestigious Adhi Makayasa award from the Indonesian Naval Academy (AAL), an honor presented directly by President Joko Widodo at the State Palace in Jakarta. Now holding the rank of Second Lieutenant (Letda) in the Navy, Menanda declared his readiness to serve the Republic of Indonesia.
“It is a great honor and a personal source of pride to be commissioned by the President at the State Palace, alongside two thousand of the nation’s best cadets from across Indonesia, representing the four military and police branches. We are ready to dedicate ourselves to the Republic,” said Menanda after the ceremony.
That pride was shared by his family, who had traveled a great distance from Pulau Burung, a remote island in Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau Province—one of the most isolated areas in the country.
“I am immensely proud that the President personally presented the Adhi Makayasa award to my son, Menanda Putra Duta,” said his father, Suhardi.
Menanda’s younger brother, Medi Anata Pratama, is also serving the nation—as a Second Lieutenant in the Army’s technical corps. He, too, expressed pride in his brother’s accomplishment and in their shared journey of service.
“I am the younger brother of Adhi Makayasa recipient Second Lieutenant (Navy) Menanda Putra Duta. I currently serve as a technical officer in the Indonesian Army. I’m extremely proud to serve the country in my own capacity and am committed to contributing the best I can for the people, the nation, and the world,” Medi said.
The Suhardi family’s story has become a symbol of sincere and unwavering dedication to the nation. From the far reaches of Riau, they have proven that determination and resilience can overcome geographic barriers, resulting in extraordinary achievements.
This year’s Adhi Makayasa recipients include:
Alim Bimo Pratowo, Bachelor of Applied Defense Science – Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil), Muhammad Afrijal Mughlis – Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil), Menanda Putra Duta, Bachelor of Applied Defense Science – Indonesian Naval Academy (AAL), Arya Handaru – Indonesian Naval Academy (AAL), Epan Basit Reswara, Bachelor of Applied Defense Science – Indonesian Air Force Academy (AAU), Aksel Pahreja Aditama – Indonesian Air Force Academy (AAU), Muhammad Malik Aditya Kurniawan, Bachelor of Applied Police Science – Indonesian Police Academy (Akpol), and Pathan Putra Rifito – Indonesian Police Academy (Akpol).
Their appointments were made official through Presidential Decree No. 56/TNI of 2025 and No. 57/Polri of 2025.
