President Jokowi Orders New TNI Commander to Guard Indonesia’s Sovereignty, Unity

President Jokowi congratulates newly-inaugurated Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) Admiral Yudo Margono, Monday (12/19), at the State Palace, Jakarta. (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Rahmat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo ordered the newly-inaugurated Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) Admiral Yudo Margono to guard the sovereignty and unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

“I just have inaugurated Admiral Yudo Margono, who is standing beside me, as the TNI Commander, I told him to first, guard the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia, and second, guard our unity,” the President said in his statement after the inauguration, Monday (12/19), at the State Palace, Jakarta.

He also asked Yudo Margono to develop professionalism of TNI soldiers to maintain public trust to TNI.

Regarding the 2024 General Elections, President Jokowi underscored the importance of neutrality of the TNI members so they are not involved in practical politics. In addition, he also urged TNI and the National Police (Polri) to increase their synergy in maintaining domestic favorable situation.

“Political stability and security are important to build our state and economic growth amidst global uncertainty,” he stated.

On that occasion, the President also touched on conflict in Papua which needs humanistic approach and firm action at the same time to resolve problems in Papua, particularly armed criminal group (KKB).

In the meantime, the newly-inaugurated TNI Commander Yudo Margono conveyed that he will undertake all tasks assigned by the President.

“The first task is to preserve sovereignty, unity, and maintain TNI’s good image that has gained public trust.  Those will become my priorities,” he concluded. (JW/UN) (RAS/LW)