Jokowi Inaugurates Dudung Abdurachman As Army Chief Of Staff, His Rank Is Now General

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has officially inaugurated Dudung Abdurachman to replace General Andika Perkasa, who currently serves as National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander.

This inauguration activity was held at the State Palace, Jakarta on Wednesday, November 17. From the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube show, the event was carried out with strict health protocols.

President Jokowi was accompanied by Vice President Ma'ruf Amin. A number of invited guests were also present, including the Chairman of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Puan Maharani, and the Chairperson of the People's Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI), Bambang Soesatyo.

In addition, it was also seen at the inauguration location, namely the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri, and other officials.

The event began with singing the national anthem Indonesia Raya. Furthermore, the Decree of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Number 107/TNI/2021 concerning the Dismissal and Appointment of the Army Chief of Staff.

"Decided to appoint and continue to honorably dismiss General TNI Andika Perkasa from his position as Army Chief of Staff accompanied by thanks for his dedication and services that were donated to the nation and state of the Republic of Indonesia while in office," said Presidential Military Secretary Marsda M. Tony Harjono while reading the Presidential Decree.

"To appoint TNI Lieutenant General Dudung Abdurachman as Army Chief of Staff," he added.

After the decree was read, President Jokowi then led Dudung's oath taking.

"By Allah, I swear that I will be loyal to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia which is based on Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia and will carry out all laws and regulations as straight as possible for the sake of my service to the nation and state," Andika said at the time read the oath.

"That in carrying out my duties, I will uphold the ethics of my position, work as well as possible, with a full sense of responsibility. That I will uphold the oath of soldiers," he added.

After the oath was read, Dudung signed the minutes of his appointment as TNI Commander. The signing was witnessed by the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and the TNI Commander General Andika Perkasa.

Next, the President's Military Secretary read out Presidential Decree No. 108/TNI/2021 concerning the Promotion of Ranks in the TNI's High-ranking Officers. With this decision, his rank was increased one level higher from Lieutenant General (Letjen) TNI to General TNI.

After the letter was read, Jokowi pinned Dudung's rank and position insignia. The embedding event was solemn.