VVIP security in 2024
Makassar – A graduate of the Bachelor’s Program in Geodetic Engineering at Universitas Diponegoro in 2019, Second Lieutenant Faisal Aldin, S.T., is an inspiring figure currently serving in the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) at Sultan Hasanuddin Airbase, Maros, South Sulawesi. His role is far from light—he is responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating activities related to aerospace potential development and the Air Force’s community service missions.
Known affectionately by his juniors as “Bang Aldin,” he has shown remarkable dedication to his profession as an Air Force officer, including in the strategic mission of VVIP security during the inauguration of the President of the Republic of Indonesia in 2024.
“For me, becoming an Air Force officer is the proudest career achievement,” said Faisal. He believes this success is deeply rooted in the knowledge and experience he gained while studying Geodetic Engineering at Universitas Diponegoro.
The Geodetic Engineering Program has equipped Lieutenant Aldin with highly relevant geospatial skills needed in the military field, particularly in surveying, mapping, and strategic area analysis. He added, “Since my first year as a student in 2015, the program has provided strong support for both academic and extracurricular activities.”
Extracurricular activities greatly contributed to shaping his character. Bang Aldin was actively involved in MAPALA Sherpa, the student mountaineering and environmental club at Geodetic Engineering of UNDIP, which trained his physical and mental endurance as well as field leadership. “MAPALA activities taught me about teamwork and fighting spirit — two essential values in the military,” he said. Notably, in 2018, Bang Aldin – as a student – assisted in the reconstruction and remeasurement expedition of the Datum Genuk Monument alongside Prof. Dr. Ir. Hasanuddin Z. A. (then Head of the Geospatial Information Agency) and Dr. Ir. Sukanto Hadi, M.T. (then Head of the Diponegoro IV Regional Military Command’s Topographic Unit).
Among the many courses he took, Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, taught by Dr. Yudho Prasetyo, S.T., M.T., left the deepest impression. The theories and practical skills from this class laid a vital foundation for the strategic mapping duties he now carries out.
Today, Second Lieutenant Faisal Aldin, S.T., is a proud part of the alumni of the Geodetic Engineering Undergraduate Program at Universitas Diponegoro, making a real contribution to the nation. His spirit and dedication truly reflect the struggle of Prince Diponegoro.
