Celebrating 72nd Anniversary, TNI Commander Emphasizes Kopassus Soldiers to Always Uphold Allegiance and Loyalty

JAKARTA - TNI Commander General TNI Agus Subiyanto emphasized four things to soldiers of the TNI AD Special Forces Command (Kopassus), when leading a ceremony commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the Red Beret Corps at Makopassus, Cijantung, Jakarta, Tuesday.

The TNI Commander said, since its founding on April 16 1952, Kopassus has and continues to show success and achievements in various assignments, both domestic and foreign, starting from Operation Woyla at Don Muang Airport, Thailand in 1991, to the release of the Lorentz Expedition 95 researcher hostages in Mapenduma, Papua in 1996.

"Kopassus' long journey in protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia has been marked by various dedications, sacrifices and struggles," said the TNI Commander in his remarks as Inspector of Ceremonies, Tuesday 30 April.

"Thank you and appreciation for the dedication and loyalty that has been shown by all Kopassus soldiers wherever they are on duty and located," said the TNI Commander.

The TNI Commander further said that the greatness of Kopassus, which is respected by special forces throughout the world, was not achieved easily. He said that in the future Kopassus' strengths would continue to be built and modernized.

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto flanked by Danjen Kopassus Major General TNI Djon Afriandi (left) and TNI Commander General TNI Agus Subiyanto. (VOI/Ist)

"The emphasis is on developing human resources and supporting modern defense equipment, to maintain the continued acceleration of Kopassus professionalism as a world-class special unit and respected by friendly countries," explained the TNI Commander.

The TNI Commander on this occasion also emphasized four important things to all Kopassus soldiers.

First, increase faith and devotion to God Almighty as the moral foundation of service to the nation and state.

"Secondly, uphold loyalty and loyalty to the leadership and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, which is based on Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, by always

do your best, be sincere and sincere," he stressed.

"Third, instill a spirit of willingness to sacrifice and never give up, so that you can complete all task demands optimally," he continued.

"Fourth, avoid negative actions that could potentially damage the good name of the Red Beret Corps and the TNI. Remain humanist and be a pioneer in helping the difficulties of the people around you," advised the TNI Commander.

Also present at the Kopassus 72nd anniversary celebration this time were, among others, Minister of Defense and President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto, National Police Chief General Pol Listyo Sigit P, Kasad General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak, and a number of national figures, TNI and Kopasssus elders.