Dialogue Between President of the Republic of Indonesia with Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) During the 77th Anniversary of TNI Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, October 5, 2022

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Good morning, soldiers.

TNI Soldiers Assigned in Border Area and Outermost Island
Good morning.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Please start, Entikong.

Representative of Task Force in Entikong
Good morning,

Distinguished President and Vice President,

Commander of the Infantry Battalion 645 Gardatama Yudha Lt. Col. Inf Hudallah along with 450 soldiers report as ordered. We are currently assigned to the Indonesian-Malaysian Border. The border is secure. We are seeking your directives.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
How many soldiers are based in Entikong?

Representative of Task Force in Entikong
Sir, the total is 59 soldiers, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
How many?

Representative of Task Force in Entikong
59 soldiers, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Where do you usually shop? Malaysia or Indonesia?

Representative of Task Force in Entikong
Sir, we shop in Indonesia, in Balai Karangan, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The price is lower or higher?

Representative of Task Force in Entikong
Sir, the price is lower, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Is it true?

Representative of Task Force in Entikong
Yes, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
If you have something to say, go ahead.

Representative of Task Force in Entikong
No, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Nothing?

Let’s move on to Motaain, please.

Representative of Task Force in Motaain
Good morning.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Good morning.

Representative of Task Force in Motaain
Distinguished President and Vice President,

Commander of the 744th Special Raider Battalion Task Force Satya Yudha Bakti Lt. Col. Inf Yudi Yahya and 450 soldiers report as ordered. We are currently assigned to the RI-RDTL Border. The border is secure. We seek your directives.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
How many soldiers?

Representative of Task Force in Motaain
450 soldiers, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Four hundred and fifty soldiers.

How is the situation?

Representative of Task Force in Motaain
Sir, the situation at the border of the eastern sector of RI-RDTL is secure.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
If you shop for groceries, do you have to go to Atambua, Belu, or another place?

Representative of Task Force in Motaain
We shop in Atambua city, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
That’s the closest?

Representative of Task Force in Motaain
Yes, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
How much does rice cost per kilogram now?

Representative of Task Force in Motaain
The price stands at around Rp8,000 per kilogram, Mr. President.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Why is it so cheap?

Is that true?

Representative of Task Force in Motaain
Yes, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Alright, good.

Thank you.

Moving on to Sota.

Representative of Task Force in Sota
Good afternoon,

Distinguished President and Vice President,

Lt. Col Inf (audio is not clear) and 511th Battalion Task Force Dibyatara Yodha along with 450 soldiers report as ordered. We are currently assigned to the RI-PNG border. The border is secure. We are seeking your directives.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
How many soldiers are assigned to Sota?

Representative of Task Force in Sota
50 soldiers, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Fifty?

Representative of Task Force in Sota
Yes, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Since it’s very far from Merauke, where do you shop then?

Merauke or somewhere else?

Representative of Task Force in Sota
We shop in Sota, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Enough for the allowance?

Representative of Task Force in Sota
Yes, it is enough, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Really?

Do not be afraid of the Commander.

Representative of Task Force in Sota
Yes, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Really?

Representative of Task Force in Sota
Yes, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Alright, thank you.

Moving on to Talaud. Talaud, go ahead.

Representative of Task Force in Talaud
Good morning,

Distinguished President and Vice President,

Commander of the Outermost Island Security Post Second Lt. Col Inf Muhamad (audio is not clear) along with 42 soldiers from Infantry Battalion 715/Motuliato Brigade 22/Ota Manasa report as ordered. We are currently assigned to the outer islands in Talaud. The situation is secure. We seek your directives.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
How many soldiers you said?

Representative of Task Force in Talaud
42, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Forty-two. Is there an airport in Talaud?

A pioneer airport?

Representative of Task Force in Talaud
There’s one, Sir, in Melonguane city.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Then if you want to go shopping, you have to go to Manado or just go to Talaud?

Representative of Task Force in Talaud
Sir, we go to Talaud, in Melonguane city to be precise.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Those in Talaud, are you satisfied with the allowance?

Representative of Task Force in Talaud
Yes, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No one dared to say it was not enough. Thank you.

What you are doing is a noble task, guarding the borders, protecting the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Once again, best of luck job with your duty and stay healthy. Please, send my best regards to all soldiers on the borders. Thank you. (RIF/EP)