President Joko Widodo Inaugurates 720 Young Officers

President Joko Widodo pins rank decorations to the representatives of TNI and Polri Young Officers (Praja) in Magelang, Central Java (26/7).

President Joko Widodo inaugurated 720 young officers at the 2016 Prasetya Perwira TNI and Polri Ceremony (Praspa) at Sapta Marga Building, Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) Military Academy, Magelang, Central Java, on Tuesday (26/7) morning.

As the Inspector of the Ceremony, on that occasion, President Joko Widodo took oath of 221 graduates from Military Academy (Akmil), 91 graduates from Navy Academy (AAL), 108 graduates from Air Forces Academy (AAU), and 300 cadets from Police Academy (Akpol).

Starting his remarks, the President congratulated the graduates who he had just inaugurated.

“Remember, your journey has just begun. A journey to be a loyal and devoted officer to the nation, country, and the people of Indonesia,” the President said while mentioning that these young officers are the future of TNI and Polri (Indonesian National Police) and they will make a reform in their institutions.

The President reminded that TNI and Polri reform is the key to face the future and to encounter the challenges in maintaining the country’s sovereignty and security.

Meanwhile, inside the country, there are some efforts to rust out the values of Pancasila, to create violence and anarchism triggered by religious issues, acts of terror, increasing drug distribution, as well as illegal smuggling and trade.

Meanwhile abroad, according to the President, some issues, such as global competition, border issues, conflict among countries, intercountry conflict, asimetric war, battle for energy reserves, weapon competition among countries that have strong military power, the development of ISIS and foreign terrorist fighters, have direct as well as indirect impacts to Indonesia.

The President emphasized that TNI and Polri must work in synergy, must work together and united for the sake of the nation, country, and the people of Indonesia. “Please eliminate your sectoral ego, enhance TNI and Polri’s esprit de corps, solidity, as well as solidarity, and maintain the unity among TNI, Polri, and the people,” the President said while reminding the soldiers and officers to be responsive, sensitive, and to increase their professional performance.

The 2016 Praspa Ceremony was also attended by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Commander of TNI Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, Chief of Polri Gen. Tito Karnavian, Minister of Defence Ryamizard Ryacudu, and Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo. (DND/FID/ES)(MMB/YM/Naster)