CNN Indonesia Wins Top Prize at Kasau Award for Air Force Training Coverage

CNN Indonesia has once again been recognized at the Kasau Award 2026, this time securing the first prize in the News TV category for its coverage of Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) drills. The winning report focused on the capability of aircraft to perform takeoffs and landings on public toll roads. The journalistic work, produced by Iwan Hermawan and Dwi Ari, highlighted the TNI AU's exercise demonstrating the operational readiness of aircraft to utilize road segments as runways under specific conditions. This training illustrates how the TNI AU builds its operational preparedness by preparing alternative bases and runways for aircraft, especially in scenarios that could disrupt the use of main airbases. The Kasau Award 2026 marks the eighth iteration of this journalism competition organized by the TNI AU. This year, a total of 346 journalistic works from various media outlets and journalists competed. The submitted works covered a wide range of issues concerning the TNI AU, from operational readiness and soldier professionalism to defense equipment and the air force's various activities and service to the community. This award serves as an appreciation for the consistent delivery of defense coverage that not only showcases military activities but also provides context on Indonesia's defense strategies, readiness, and capabilities. The report on the TNI AU aircraft drills on the toll road is an example of how defense issues can be packaged from a perspective closer to the public, explaining the concept of operational readiness and the importance of adaptability to diverse terrain and situations. With this year's victory, CNN Indonesia reaffirms its consistency as an active and productive media outlet in covering defense issues. Source: CNN Indonesia