President Jokowi Encourages TNI-Polri to Master Technology to Face Global Challenges
President Jokowi during the 2024 Leader’s Meeting of the TNI and the Polri at the TNI headquarters in Cilangkap, Jakarta, Wednesday (02/28) (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Wednesday (02/28) chaired the 2024 Leader’s Meeting of the Indonesian National Defense Force (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) at the TNI headquarters (Mabes TNI) in Cilangkap, Jakarta.
“The challenges we are facing now are uneasy, not only domestic challenges. In fact, the most difficult one is external challenges, complex global challenges that can significantly impact the economic and social situation within our country,” the President said in his remarks.
Thus, President Jokowi urged the TNI-Polri ranks to always be vigilant in facing the challenges including global economic uncertainties and geopolitical conflicts.
The President went on to say that the world is currently confronted with various conflicts, such as the conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and even Yemen, which caused global food inflation. There are also economic crises, he continued, that lead to recession in several countries.
“Amid the multiple global crises and economic uncertainties, we have to be grateful that our economy stays resilient. Among the G20 member countries, we are one of the top three economies with positive growth and economic performance. We all know that our economy grew by 5.05 percent in 2023, the inflation rate controlled at 2.57 percent, the poverty rate decreased to 9.36 percent, the unemployment rate dropped to 5.32 percent, as well as the Gini coefficient also decreased to 0.388 percent,” he said.
On that occasion, President Jokowi also reminded the TNI-Polri personnel to adapt to technological developments, including cyber warfare and the use of drones.
“The mastery of science and technology will clearly be increasingly needed. The TNI-Polri personnel must be active and become adaptive learners. The TNI-Polri must also be able to conduct early detection (of issues), take anticipatory measures, strengthen professionalism, and serve the people,” the President added.
President Jokowi further said the values of TNI “Prima” (Professional, Responsive, Integrity, Modern, and Adaptive) and the values of Polri “Presisi” (Predictive, Responsible, and Transparent) as well as the unity of the people must be strengthened.
The President also emphasized the importance of synergy between the TNI and Polri.
“Break the silos, eliminate barriers and narrow perspectives. Everything must be served for the nation and the state,” he stressed.
Furthermore, President Jokowi also expressed his gratitude to the TNI and Polri ranks for their commitment to maintaining security during the general elections, ensuring that the voting and vote-counting processes proceed safely and peacefully, while reminding the TNI and Polri ranks to guard several stages of the elections until this year’s October.
At the end of his speech, President Jokowi awarded a special promotion to Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto as an Honorary TNI General. According to the President, the award is a form of recognition and affirmation of dedication to the people, the nation, and the state. (DND/UN) (AP/RAS/LW)
