Address of the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Commemoration Ceremony of the 80th Anniversary of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) at the National Monument Compound (Lapangan Silang Monas), Central Jakarta, Special Capital Region of Jakarta Sunday, 5 October 2025
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Good morning,
May peace be upon us all,
Shalom,
Salve,
Om Swastiastu,
Namo Buddhaya,
Greetings of Virtue.
Distinguished Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka;
Distinguished the Sixth President of the Republic of Indonesia, General (Ret.) Professor Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono;
Distinguished Ibu Hj. Sinta Nuriyah Wahid, wife of the Fourth President of the Republic of Indonesia;
Distinguished the Sixth Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, General (Ret.) Try Sutrisno;
Distinguished the Tenth and Twelfth Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Bapak H. Muhammad Jusuf Kalla;
Distinguished the Eleventh Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Professor Dr. H. Boediono;
Distinguished the Thirteenth Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Professor K.H. Dr. Ma’ruf Amin;
Distinguished Ibu Hj. Soraya Hamzah Haz, wife of the Ninth Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia;
Distinguished Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly, Bapak Ahmad Muzani;
Distinguished Speaker of the House of Representatives, Saudari Puan Maharani,
Distinguished Speaker of the Regional Representative Council, Bapak Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin;
Minister of Defense, General TNI Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin;
Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces, General TNI Agus Subiyanto;
Deputy Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces, General TNI Tandyo Budi Revita;
Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army, General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak;
Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali;
Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal TNI Mohamad Tonny Harjono;
Coordinating Ministers, Ministers, Heads of Agencies, Special Advisers to the President, the Attorney General, Chief of the National Police, Head of the State Intelligence Agency, Deputy Ministers, and all members of the Red and White Cabinet;
Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and Defense Attachés of friendly countries;
Distinguished leaders of religious and community organizations, families of national heroes, revolutionary heroes, and veterans in attendance; former Commanders and senior officers of the Defense Forces, and all soldiers of the Indonesian National Defense Forces and members of the TNI family wherever you are;
All the people of Indonesia, my fellow countrymen and women.
First and foremost, as people of faith, let us ceaselessly offer our praise and gratitude to the Almighty God for Muslims, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, for the countless blessings bestowed upon us, upon our nation, and for the peace and prosperity that we continue to enjoy to this day.
My fellow Indonesians,
On behalf of the Government, the State, the Nation, and the people of Indonesia, and on my own behalf, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on the 80th Anniversary of the Indonesian National Defense Forces. Long live the TNI!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let us take a moment to reflect on the history of our nation and the history of the Indonesian National Defense Forces. We are fully aware that the TNI was born of the people of Indonesia. The TNI is the sons and daughters of the Indonesian people. It comes from the people, it rises and falls with the people, it always serves the nation and the people, and it stands ready to sacrifice its life for the people and the Republic of Indonesia.
My esteemed soldiers of the TNI,
Amid today’s global uncertainty, the TNI stands as the fortress, the bastion, of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. The TNI is the backbone of Indonesia’s defense, the guarantor of our sovereignty. The TNI must safeguard all the people of Indonesia and every inch of the nation’s territory. The TNI must be ever ready to sacrifice everything for the safety and welfare of the people and the nation of Indonesia.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the State, the Nation, and the Government of Indonesia, I would like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude for the achievements and service of the TNI to this day. The TNI has always stood firm in times of crisis, never hesitating to place the interests of the nation and the people above all else.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In addition to being prepared to face any possible challenges, the TNI must continuously strengthen itself through self-discipline, rigorous training, and mastery of knowledge, keeping pace with the changing times and advances in technology. The TNI must never fall behind. The TNI must never grow complacent.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
For this reason, the TNI requires exemplary leadership. On behalf of the state, the nation, and the people, I urge all levels of leadership within the TNI to continually cultivate themselves and to lead by example. Leadership in the TNI must be exemplary leadership, Ing Ngarso Sung Tulodo, leading from the front. There is no place for leaders who are incompetent, unprofessional, or unaware of their duties. I have instructed the Commander of the TNI and the Chiefs of Staff to continuously evaluate the quality of leadership within the ranks. Our soldiers deserve and demand the best leadership. I authorize the TNI Commander and Chiefs of Staff, in leadership selection, not to overly consider seniority. What matters most is achievement, dedication, and patriotism
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The tasks entrusted to the TNI are by no means light. We must acknowledge that our nation’s natural wealth is vast. For centuries, the archipelago has been targeted and exploited by foreign powers seeking to seize our resources. Even today, much of our wealth is still being stolen, smuggled, and taken away by irresponsible parties. The TNI must engage in self-reflection. With all the organizations we have, the TNI must remain alert, assist law enforcement, and support both local and central governments in safeguarding our wealth and natural resources. Our wealth must be preserved, conserved, and managed to eradicate poverty from the nation. These resources are crucial for building an advanced, modern, just, and prosperous Indonesia in line with our national ideals.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for your continued dedication in supporting national economic development for the benefit of the Indonesian people.
Once again, persevere in your training, persevere in your learning. I instruct the TNI Commander and Chiefs of Staff to continually study developments in science and technology, review organizational structures, and if necessary, replace outdated organizations with those more suitable for the interests of the Indonesian nation. Keep pace with advancements in technology, cyber technology, intelligence. And artificial intelligence nowadays, we should adapt to it. Do not fall behind.
Once again, happy 80th anniversary to the TNI. May you continue to serve with honour in carrying out your noble mandate for the people, the nation, and the state. I also extend my gratitude to the wives of our soldiers and to their children who patiently and faithfully support their husbands and fathers, caring for their families while they serve in dangerous assignments. I pray that the Almighty will always bless and protect all soldiers and the great family of the Indonesian National Defense Forces.
Thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
May peace be upon us all,
Shalom,
Salve,
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om,
Namo Buddhaya,
Greetings of Virtue.
Attention,
The ceremony is concluded.
(AY/MUR)