Jakarta (ANTARA) – President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia is committed to maintaining peace and respecting other nations while remaining firm in defending its sovereignty.
“We love peace, we do not want to disturb anyone. We respect all nations, all countries, all powers, but we do not want to be disturbed,” he said at the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) at TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Monday.
According to him, this principle has been upheld by Indonesian leaders since the country’s founding. He said Indonesia has no intention of interfering in the affairs of other countries and respects all nations and global powers.
At the same time, he noted that Indonesia has a responsibility to protect its people, territory, and national resources.
“We want to always protect our people, our territory, and our wealth,” Prabowo emphasized.
He said efforts to safeguard these interests are aimed at ensuring that Indonesia’s wealth is utilized for the welfare of the people and to support efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger.
The president further said that strengthening the TNI also serves this purpose, namely, establishing a force capable of defending the country and protecting the Indonesian people.
“We are building the TNI for that very purpose, to defend ourselves, to protect our people,” Prabowo said.
In his address, the head of state also emphasized that the TNI’s strength does not depend solely on weapons, equipment, or the budget.
He said that a spirit of self-sacrifice is an essential component of the strength of an army and a nation.
“An army with a spirit of self-sacrifice, a nation willing to sacrifice, a resilient people, a brave people, that is the strength of a nation,” he said.
The 81st TNI Anniversary ceremony involved 3,378 personnel from the Indonesian Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as Reserve Component troops and the Indonesian Cadet Corps (KKRI).
During the ceremony, Prabowo also inaugurated 204 new TNI units, including six regional military commands.
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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
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