President Prabowo Leads Ceremony Commemorating TNI’s 81st Anniversary
President Prabowo Subianto Monday (10/05) led the ceremony commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), at the TNI’s headquarters, Cilangkap, Jakarta. This year anniversary adopted a theme “A Strong TNI, United with the People; A Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia”.
Upon arrival at the venue at approximately 8:56 a.m. Western Indonesia Time, the President walked toward the podium before the ceremony officially commenced with the national salute and a report from the ceremony officer.
Serving as the ceremony officer was Brig. Gen. TNI Fitriana Nur Heru Wibawa, who currently serves as Chief of Staff of the Jakarta Permanent Garrison Command (Kaskogartap I/Jakarta). Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. TNI Lucky Avianto served as the ceremony commander. He currently serves as Commander of the III Regional Joint Defense Command (Pangkogabwilhan III).
At the ceremony, President Prabowo served as the ceremony inspector and was accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming, several ministers, and heads of government institutions.
After receiving the honors and the report from the ceremony commander, President Prabowo inspected the troops. Riding in a Maung tactical vehicle, the President reviewed the formation of the ceremonial troops, accompanied by the TNI Commander and the ceremony commander.
The ceremony then continued with a moment of silence led by President Prabowo and the recitation of the Sapta Marga (the seven principles of the TNI) by a number of the TNI’s top officers.
On the occasion, President Prabowo also conferred the Decorations of Honor of the Republic of Indonesia on a number of distinguished figures and TNI leaders. Following the conferment of the decorations, President Prabowo also officially inaugurated several new units within the TNI as part of efforts to strengthen the TNI’s organizational structure in carrying out its national defense duties.
The inauguration was marked by an official declaration by the Head of State, followed by the pressing of a siren button. He also handed over command batons and the insignia of the new units to seven representatives of the units.
In his address, President Prabowo extended his congratulations on the 81st anniversary of the TNI. He also conveyed his gratitude to all TNI personnel for their sacrifices and dedication in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.
“On behalf of the Government, the state, the nation, and the people of Indonesia, and on my own behalf, I wish the Indonesian National Defense Forces a happy 81st anniversary. Long live the TNI!” the President said, and then continued by extending appreciation to all TNI personnel for their loyalty, services, and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, defending the integrity of Indonesia’s territory, strengthening national unity, and protecting all the people of Indonesia.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of Andhika Bhayangkari (a national military anthem), followed by a report from the ceremony commander and an honorary salute to the ceremony inspector. President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming then departed the ceremony venue after the entire series of events had concluded.
The ceremony was also attended by Indonesia’s sixth President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Indonesia’s seventh President Joko Widodo, Mrs. Sinta Nuriyah Wahid (wife of Indonesia’s fourth President), Mrs. Tuti Try Soetrisno (wife of Indonesia’s sixth Vice President), Mrs. Soraya Hamzah Haz (wife of Indonesia’s ninth Vice President), ambassadors and defense attachés from friendly countries, heads of state institutions, as well as ministers and vice ministers of the Red-and-White Cabinet. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/TM)
