President Prabowo to 2,000 Young Officers: Be the Nation’s Vanguard

President Prabowo Subianto delivered his speech at the 2025 Prasetya Perwira (Praspa) of young TNI and Polri officers, held in the Merdeka Palace grounds, Jakarta, on Wednesday (7/23). (Photo by: BPMI Presidential Secretariat)

During his speech at the 2025 Prasetya Perwira (oath-taking ceremony) of young TNI (the Indonesian National Defense Forces) and Polri (the Indonesian National Police) officers in the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (7/23), President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that being an officer is not merely a vocation, but it is a great honor accompanied by immense responsibility to the nation and state.

“Today, before the people of Indonesia and before the Almighty God, you have declared your willingness to dedicate your body and soul to the nation and the state. You, the nation’s best young officers, stand before me, the President and supreme commander of the defense forces, and you have declared your readiness to die for this country,” said President Prabowo before 2,000 young officers graduating from the Military Academy (Akmil), Naval Academy (AAL), Air Force Academy (AAU), and Police Academy (Akpol).

The President went on to stress that the duty of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and honor now rests on the shoulders of these young officers. He reminded them that Indonesia was built on blood, sweat, and tears, and that future challenges will not be easy.

“The sovereignty of the nation, the honor of the nation, and the safety of the people now rest on your shoulders. The people expect you, wait for you, for your service, your dedication, and if necessary, your ultimate sacrifice,” the President stated.

President Prabowo also reminded them of Indonesia’s long history of colonization and exploitation. Therefore, he stressed that the next generation must be prepared to defend the country’s independence with all their heart and soul.

“Remember, this is a legacy that you inherit. Your nation demands the highest form of service from you, as you have sworn. If necessary, you must be willing to sacrifice your body and soul to keep Indonesia safe and strong,” he said.

On that occasion, President Prabowo also described the TNI and Polri as the main pillars of the nation. He underscored that these institutions are not merely state apparatuses but are the vanguard of the nation’s independence and sovereignty.

“Be the people’s defense forces, a national defense forces, a fighting defense forces. Be the people’s police, a national police force, a fighting police force that always defends your people, always loves your people. Because you are the children of the Indonesian people,” said the President.

President Prabowo also extended his appreciation to the mentors, trainers, and families who have educated and allowed their sons and daughters to serve as officers. He also highlighted the noble values of the military and police profession.

“Once again, the officer profession, the profession of a soldier, is an honorable one. But it is not an easy one. You must always be at the forefront, leading by example, with courage, with valor, and with intelligence,” concluded the President. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of the Presidential Secretariat) (TCUD/MUR)