Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia on the Ceremony to Commemorate the 78th Anniversary of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), October 5, 2023

Bismillahirrahmanirahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Good morning,
May prosperity be upon us all.
Om swastiastu,
Namo buddhaya,
Greetings of virtue.

Distinguished Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Mr. Professor Doctor Kiai Haji Ma’ruf Amin and spouse,

Distinguished Mrs. Professor Doctor Hajjah Megawati Soekarnoputri, the 5^th President of the Republic of Indonesia,

Distinguished Mr. Professor Doctor Haji Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the 6^th President of the Republic of Indonesia,

Distinguished Chairpersons and Heads of State Institutions,

Distinguished Mr. Try Sutrisno, the 7^th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia,

Distinguished Mr. Haji Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, the 10^th and 12^th  Vice President,

Distinguished Mr. Boediono, the 11^th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia and spouse,

Distinguished Mrs. Sinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid,

Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesian Onward Cabinet, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), Chief of Police of the Republic of Indonesia, along with the Chiefs of Staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as all members of the TNI throughout the country,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

First and foremost, on behalf of the people, the nation, and the state, I’d like to congratulate the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) on its 78^th birthday wherever your posts are.

Thank you for the dedication, the courage, the professionalism, and the devotion of all personnel of the TNI who are in the frontline of the national defense, who protect the people, who act as a guard that protects the Republic of Indonesia and the shield that protects Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.

I am pleased that public trust in the TNI continues to be maintained and is always at the top rank based on survey results as of September 2023, with a trust figure reaching 83 percent to 90 percent.

And to be able to maintain the trust, the TNI must be able to formulate concrete steps and strategies to move forward in the midst of world conditions that are changing very rapidly and the escalation of the world geopolitics.

For defense equipment matters, modernization of defense equipment is a must, but our State Budget is limited and spending for people’s welfare is large so spending on defense equipment must be done wisely, both in terms of budget allocation and its purposes.

Modernization of defense equipment must also entail developing national defense industry and encouraging transfer of knowledge, improvement of human resources, and prioritizing of domestic products.

On that score, I order the prudent use of the budget for it is difficult to obtain it. It is the money from our people so it must be used for their own benefits.

Let me also remind you that the world is currently facing a crisis, especially related to the food crisis due to climate change and disruption of global supply chains. Twenty two countries have borne the brunt.

Thus, I appeal to all TNI personnel to have instincts, awareness, and sensitivity regarding this issue because food is a crucial matter and can determine the stability of the nation.

Lastly, as we have already been in a political year, I order the TNI to continue keeping a peaceful condition, immediately eliminate even the slightest possibility of conflicts, and give the public an understanding that different choices are common.

Winning and losing are also common.

We must also continue maintaining synergy with the National Police, maintaining neutrality of the TNI, and maintaining a fighting character,  and we must always uphold the sapta marga and the Soldier’s Oath as a guide in action.

That concludes my remarks.

I wish you the best in serving the country and the nation.

Long live TNI!

I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(EST/EP)