Parents Express Joy and Pride during Inauguration of TNI, Polri Young Officers at Merdeka Palace
The Merdeka Palace’s courtyard in Jakarta on Wednesday (7/22) was alive with smiles, warm hugs, and happy tears following the Prasetya Perwira Ceremony of 2026—the inauguration of young officers of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri). The inauguration ceremony, led by President Prabowo, marked the culmination of young officers’ long journey to live their dreams after completing challenging trainings.
According to Second Lieutenant of Navy Muhammad Afdal from East Kolaka regency, Southeast Sulawesi province, the pinning of officer rank insignia was not only a personal achievement, but also a lifelong dream. This became more complete when he was able to share his happiness with his parents, who had become his biggest strength.
“The first time I received the officer rank, I felt very proud. With all the efforts and lifelong dream, this all paid off. I am very proud,” exclaimed Afdal.
Afdal’s parents also showed the same excitement. As kueh sellers, they had never imagined that their son would become a young Lieutenant of the TNI from East Kolaka regency.
“Alhamdulillah, I am very happy, and I never expected this. As parents, we feel grateful, joyful, and excited for his achievement,” admitted Afdal’s father.
The grateful expression was also shown by Second Police Inspector Afifah Azani from Padang, West Sumatra province. Standing in the State Palace as a police officer was her lifelong dream.
“Alhamdulillah, I feel grateful that I can stand in the State Palace and invite my parents. This is truly my lifelong dream,” expressed Afifah.
The same went for Afifah’s parents, who could not hide their pride witnessing their daughter standing tall as a police officer. Her mother described Afifah as a strong and resilient girl.
“I am very, very proud to be with my daughter today in the Palace. Afifah is a very strong girl and a hard worker in achieving her dream,” she described.
A touching story also came from Dimas Ezra, Second Lieutenant of Army from Solo. He explained that he had never imagined being inaugurated by the President at the Merdeka Palace.
“It is surely a pride for myself and my family to be here for the first time. And I have become my family’s pride as I am the only son who can join the Military Academy and live the family’s dream,” said Dimas.
Dimas’s mother also recalled his son’s long journey to achieve the dream and finally stand tall as a young officer at the Merdeka Palace. The same story was also told by the father who witnessed Dimas’s childhood dream as a soldier.
“My son’s childhood dream was becoming a soldier. I am so proud of Dimas Ezra, who serves the country, and may he be a blessing to Indonesia,” he said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/MMB)
