Patriot II Task Force’s Performance Draws Attention on 2025 Bastille Day Parade in Paris

Indonesia’s Patriot II Task Force contingent kickstarts the 2025 Bastille Day Parade at Place de la Concorde, Paris, on Monday (07/14). (Photo by: Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat)

A large crowd that gathered at the Place de la Concorde, Paris, on Monday (07/14), cheered and gave applause when Indonesia’s Patriot II Task Force contingent marched and played in a marching ensemble to open the 2025 Bastille Day Parade. Being honored contingent at the parade, the Indonesian contingent’s performance successfully stole public attention in Paris, which made all Indonesian people proud.

As many as 451 joint personnel of the Indonesian Military Academy, Navy Academy, Air Academy, Police Academy, and soldiers of Army, Air, and Navy Forces of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) showed a performance with perfect formation and mesmerizing rhythm. They defiled and showed fighting spirit, professionalism, and noble principles of the Indonesian nation. One of the contingent members, Zahran, said how grateful he is for participating in the historical moment.

“We have practiced for so long and hope that today we could give the best for our country, our forces, our departments, and hopefully all the people here could enjoy our performance,” Zahran said.

Zahran also gave appreciation to President Prabowo, who attended the parade as an honorable guest in this year’s Bastille Day. “To Mr. President, thank you for inviting and giving us the opportunity to perform in Paris, and hopefully, our performance could show the world how beautiful our culture and our country are,” he proudly said.

Meanwhile, Dona, a contingent member, said that she felt moved and honored to represent Indonesia in the international event. She expressed hope that their performance not only served as a symbol of greatness in the military but also reflected Indonesia’s positive image.

“As a representative of Indonesia’s Patriot II Task Force contingent, I felt honored and proud to participate in the anniversary of France,” she commented.

Soldiers and French citizens were very impressed when they watched the performance of Indonesia’s contingent. Lieutenant Anna, a French soldier, said that she was impressed by the professionalism and the good vibe shown by the Indonesian soldiers.

“What really impressed me is the smile and music in every move they made. Légion Étrangère is very impressed with Indonesian soldiers. They are polite. I want to dance and learn the chants with them because the dance was really good,” she said enthusiastically.

Jeff Paimin, a French citizen who happened to live in Indonesia, has a similar impression. He was sure that Indonesia should perform again in another event, since culture diplomacy is very important.

Head of Defense Information Bureau, Secretariat General of Ministry of Defense of Indonesia, TNI Brigadier General Frega Wenas Inkiriwang also mentioned that he was proud of the performance and that Indonesian contingent has gone through a long and solid preparation, starting from the location survey, partial practice, to rehearsal.

“Hopefully, everything will run smoothly and it will give Indonesia a good name as a concrete realization of Indonesia’s defense diplomacy at the global stage,” he remarked. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat) (AW/MUR)