New TNI Commander Andika Perkasa to Continue Previous Programs

Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung congratulates newly inaugurated TNI Commander General Andika Perkasa, Wednesday (17/11), at the State Palace in Jakarta. (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretary/Agung)

Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) General Andika Perkasa will continue the programs of his predecessor Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto.

“Our work program is to continue in general, since our room has been limited. The room where we carry out our duties is included in Law Number 34 of 2004,” Andika said in his press statement after he was inaugurated as the new TNI Commander by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, Wednesday (17/11).

Andika underscored that he will carry out his duties as TNI Commander in the best possible way and make evaluations well as improvements.

“So, I will continue [previous programs], but perhaps the details of each duty must be evaluated and improved,” he said.

Closing his press statement, Andika said that he is honored to gain the trust of President Jokowi and support of the House of the Representatives to hold the position of TNI commander.

“To all TNI soldiers, I want us to be a part of ourselves, of us all, among families, friends, and relatives. Because we are a part of them,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, General Dudung Abdurachman who was newly inaugurated as the Chief of Staff of the Army stated that President Jokowi ordered the Army to assist Government programs.

“We the Army are ready to help the Government for the prosperity of all Indonesian people,” he said, adding that the President also underscored the improvement of TNI soldiers’ welfare.

“Because soldiers are more important,” Dudung said, adding that he will implement the vision and missions of the TNI Commander.

“I certainly will implement the vision and missions of the TNI Commander that have been addressed during fit and proper test at the House of Representatives,” he said while expressing commitment to continue programs that have been launched by his predecessor.

“I appreciate the achievement of General Andika Perkasa during his time as the Chief of Staff of the Army. We will continue what has been started,” he said.

On that occasion, Dudung also expressed gratitude to the President for trusting him.

“I praise and thank Allah SWT for my inauguration as Chief of Staff of the Army. I specifically thank President of the Republic of Indonesia for trusting me to lead the Army,” he said.

Closing his press statement, Dudung stressed that he will order his ranks to uphold Eight Obligations of the TNI.

“Especially the eight, to be an example and to pioneer all measures to overcome the difficulty of the people around them. The Army must be present wherever there is difficulty suffered by the people,” he remarked. (TGH/FID/UN) (DH/MMB)