TNI is Indonesian National Pride, President Jokowi Says
President Jokowi, accompanied by Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), shakes hands with all Chiefs of Staff and Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) during the the 74th anniversary of TNI at Halim Perdana Kusuma Air Force Base, East Jakarta, Saturday (5/10). (Photo by: Agung/PR)
All Indonesian people must be proud of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) that has been safeguarding the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.
“The TNI never gives up to maintain and protect national interests and always prioritizes the interests of the nation and state above personal or group interests,” President Jokowi said in his remarks at the 74th anniversary of the TNI at Halim Perdana Kusuma Air Force Base, East Jakarta, Saturday (5/10).
President Jokowi offered his congratulations for the success of the TNI personnel that successfully took home seven trophies and 28 gold medals in the 28th ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet (AARM) which held at the 400 Terendak Camp in Malaysia in November last year.
On behalf of the Indonesian people, President Jokowi expressed his highest appreciation and gratitude to all ranks of the TNI.
The President further said that the TNI has made a new history because it has established a military base in Natuna and would be followed by four more in Biak, Morotai, Merauke, and Saumlaki.
President Jokowi further said that in an effort to support the TNI to combat terrorism, the Joint Operational Command (Ko-opsus) has been established on 30 July 2019. In addition, a joint Dharma Yudha exercise involving 12,500 soldiers from three dimensions was carried out last September.
The Government also established a Joint Defense Regional Commands (Kogabwilhan) in September in Tanjung Pinang, Balikpapan, and Biak. “The existence of Kogabwilhan aims to increase military preparedness in anticipation of a crisis,” the President said.
According to him, the effort marks a shift from military-branch-oriented approach to becoming more integrated and is fully supported by the TNI professionalism.
On that occasion, President Jokowi also expressed his gratitude to all TNI personnel who have supported his administration during the period of 2014-2019.
“I would like to thank Vice President Haji Jusuf Kalla; former and current Coordinating Ministers for Political, Legal and Security Affairs: Tedjo Edy Purdijatno, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, and Wiranto, Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu; former and current TNI Commanders: Moeldoko, Gatot Nurmantyo, and Hadi Tjahjanto; former and current Army Chiefs of Staff (KSAD): Mulyono and Andika Perkasa; former and current Navy Chiefs of Staff (KSAL): Ade Supandi and Siwi Sukma Adji; as well as former and current Air Chiefs of Staff (KSAU): Ida Bagus Putu Dunia, Agus Supriatna, and Yuyu Sutisna,” President Jokowi said.
President Jokowi added that their contribution to safeguarding the nation is precious for the country’s journey in achieving the advancement of the NKRI. (HIM / AGG / ES)
Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Edited by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman/Mia Medyana
