TNI Must be Able to Maintain Unity, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi at the Headquarters of the Army’s Special Forces, Cijantung, East Jakarta, on Thursday (10/11) (Picture: Press, Media, and Information Bureau of Secretariat of the President)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo emphasized that the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) must be able to unite people of all races, tribes, and religions to manifest the goals of the independence that the heroes fought for.

“It’s only with unity Indonesia could be a strong nation,” President Jokowi said in his briefing to Army’s Special Forces (Kopassus), at the Headquarters of Army’s Special Forces, Cijantung, East Jakarta, on Thursday (10/11). With TNI, that stands to unite Indonesia’s diversity, the President believes Indonesia could be a strong and solid diverse nation.

“I want to remind you that our heroes, the founders of TNI, for example Commander General Sudirman, sacrificed their body and soul to fight for independence,” the President said.

On that occasion, the President as the Highest Commander, also ordered the Kopassus’ high ranking officials and soldiers to put themselves as the glue that binds diversity together and maintain the unity of Indonesia. “Because it is the only way to make Indonesia to be a strong and solid diverse nation,” the President said.

The soldiers of TNI who listened to the briefing came from Sandhi Yudha, Para Commando, and Gultor (anti-terrorism) units.

The President also asked young generations to continue the struggle of the heroes.

“Our obligation is to fight for the goals of the heroes: to bring prosperity and justice to all people of Indonesia,” the President added when he was asked by the journalists after the event completed.

Also attending the event were Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Commander of TNI Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mulyono. (RMI/BPMI Setpres/ES)(MMB/YM/Naster)