Directives of President of the Republic of Indonesia before the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) Unit Commanders at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Friday, February 7, 2025
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Good afternoon,
May Peace be upon us,
Shalom,
Salve,
Om swastiastu,
Namo buddhaya,
Greetings of Virtue.
Honorable Minister of Defense Lieutenant General (ret.) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) General Agus Subianto, Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) Lieutenant General (ret.) Muhammad Herindra;
Distinguished Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces: General Maruli Simanjuntak, Admiral Muhammad Ali, Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono;
Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Deputy Minister of Defense Air Marshal (ret.) Donny Ermawan;
Distinguished High and Middle Ranking TNI Officers, especially Commanders of Units from all levels, Commanders of Regional Military Commands, Commanders of Fleet Commands, Commanders of Air Operations Commands, Commander of Special Forces Commands, Commander of Army Strategic Command, Commander of the Marine Corps, Commander of the Rapid Response Forces Corps, Commanders of Military Area Commands, Commanders of Military District Commands, Commanders of Naval Ships, Commanders of Air Bases, Commanders of Naval Battle Groups, Commanders of Main Air Force Bases, and Battalion Commanders;
Distinguished officers.
Good afternoon; thank you for your attendance.
A few moments ago, I was informed that the commanders of the units, including the Army, Air Force, and so on, would gather in the TNI leadership meeting. I was advised to receive the officers so that I could give them directions. Also, it was suggested that I receive them at the Bogor Presidential Palace since many of them are from the regions and had never set foot in the Presidential Palace.
So, in that context, I gathered you here. Also, this makes it easier since earlier we held the First Session of the National Defense Council. The National Defense Council was mandated by Law Number 3 of 2002 on National Defense, but we have only just implemented it now, 22 years later. I think this is also a lesson for us that defense is vital for the survival of the nation and state.
I have continuously reminded the people many times in various places and events that the founders of our nation designed a country as stated in the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. The national goals of the nation are clearly stated in the preamble of the 1945 Constitution.
These national goals are, first, to protect the whole Indonesian nation and the entire native land of Indonesia. Second, to advance the public welfare. Third, to educate the life of the nation. Fourth, to participate in the execution of world order which is by virtue of freedom, perpetual peace, and social justice. Meaning that the founding fathers of the nation, those who fought for independence through physical resistance against colonialism and imperialism, had already determined and conveyed from the beginning that the first function of the state is to protect and to protect, meaning defense force.
We cannot protect the country with just good intentions, words, writings, or theories. Protection comes with force. If a country wants to be independent and prosper, then it must have the force to protect itself and all its natural resources.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are reminded every day and night through television and news that very prosperous, strong, rich countries are invaded, disturbed, occupied, bombed, and destroyed. All settlements, schools, facilities, power plants, and means of life are destroyed.
We should be grateful since, in the last 25-30 years, our leaders have safeguarded the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia without getting involved and inviting invasion from other countries.
That concludes my statement, and I invite fellow journalists to leave the premises.
Thank you.
(GWH/MUR)