Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto appreciate the country’s National Armed Forces (TNI) for always stepping in to assist the people during happened disasters, such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires.
“I have witnessed directly how our soldiers are always present when disasters happened, such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires,” the President said while delivering address at the TNI’s 81st-anniversary commemoration at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Monday.
The Head of State remarked TNI soldiers assist the community in the various conditions, including when road access is cut off and the situation remains hazardous.
According to Prabowo, the soldiers do not always wait for the instruction to help those in need. Every commander, he continued, takes the initiative when facing the people’s hardships.
“Every commander takes the initiative, every commander does not wait for instruction from the seniors. The people’s hardships are the TNI’s responsibility,” he said.
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Prabowo added TNI also help to evacuate residents, clear the access roads, build the bridges, and deliver the food and medicine to remote areas cut off by disasters.
He also acknowledged soldiers who risk their lives and safety while assisting the public in dangerous situations.
“In difficult times, the people see who is truly there for them,” he added.
Prabowo expressed respect and gratitude to the TNI for their service, particularly in assisting the community during emergencies.
He emphasised the TNI must remain people’s army, that close to the community and present whenever the people need help.
“Continue to be a people’s army. A strong army is an army that is close to the people,” he said.
The 81st TNI anniversary ceremony involved 3,378 personnel from the Indonesian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
During the event, President Prabowo inaugurated 204 new military units, including six regional military commands.
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Translator: Fathur R/Genta T, Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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