Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia is set to celebrate the 79th anniversary of its National Armed Forces (TNI) on Saturday, October 5, 2024. The country has officially designated October 5 as the day to commemorate the establishment of the TNI, marking its critical role in defending Indonesia’s sovereignty.
The anniversary parade will be held at Monas in Central Jakarta, starting at 7:30 a.m. local time. The event will feature a military ceremony, a display of Indonesia’s Primary Weaponry Defense System (Alutsista), and live demonstrations of military capabilities, all open to the public.
The celebration will involve the participation of 100,000 soldiers. These troops will serve in various capacities, including as part of the ceremony, military equipment operators, demonstration participants, marching formations, and security personnel.
The Indonesian military will showcase 1,059 units of Alutsista, spanning all three branches of the armed forces: the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The display will include tactical vehicles, amphibious tanks, personnel transport trucks, and advanced weapons systems. The military equipment will be paraded through the streets of Jakarta, following a route from Monas through Thamrin, Sudirman, Senayan, and back to Monas.
Brigadier General Wahyu Yudhayana, Head of the Army’s Information Service (Kadispenad), announced that the celebration would continue from morning into the night, featuring a variety of military exhibitions and activities. These will include martial arts demonstrations, anti-drone operations, horseback riding, parachute jumps, and an impressive aerial display by the Rajawali Laut Flight. The event will also offer free meals and a military equipment procession, giving the public a chance to engage with Indonesia’s armed forces.
The History of Indonesia National Armed Forces (TNI)
October 5 was chosen as TNI Day to mark the formal establishment of Indonesia’s military under the name Tentara Keamanan Rakyat (People’s Security Army or TKR) in 1945. This organization played a vital role in the struggle to defend Indonesia’s independence against the Dutch, who sought to reoccupy the country with military force.
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Before the TKR was formed, the initial security force was called the Badan Keamanan Rakyat (People’s Security Agency or BKR). However, it became evident that a formal military was needed to meet international military standards and adequately defend the newly independent nation.
Thus, on October 5, 1945, the TKR was established and later evolved into Tentara Republik Indonesia (Army of the Republic of Indonesia or TRI) as part of efforts to enhance its military structure.
The process of unifying Indonesia’s armed forces continued as the country fought to maintain its sovereignty. On June 3, 1947, the TRI, along with various armed resistance groups, officially merged to form the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI).
October 5 is now celebrated annually to honor the founding of the TNI and its crucial role in preserving Indonesia’s independence and unity.
(Raidi/Agung)
