TNI's 80th Anniversary, Puan: National Defense Must Be A Real Priority, Not Slogan

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, emphasized the importance of the Government to continue to ensure that national defense policies run continuously. In the midst of increasingly complex global dynamics, ranging from geopolitical competitions, non-traditional security threats, to disruption of technology and information.

This was conveyed by Puan in response to the peak of the TNI's 80th Anniversary celebration which was held at Monas, Jakarta, Sunday, October 5. Puan also appeared to be present at the event and sat side by side with President Prabowo Subianto.

Puan assessed that the development of cyber defense must be the attention of the TNI. He also emphasized that the TNI must continue to adapt to technological developments and strategies to face global challenges accompanied by innovation so that it becomes a modern and professional army.

According to Puan, the role of the TNI is not only as a military force, but also as the frontline in maintaining national stability which is a prerequisite for the development and welfare of the people.

Therefore, Puan advised, the Government must ensure that national defense policies run continuously, based on research, and take sides with long-term national interests.

"Strengthening the domestic defense industry, the independence of defense equipment, and improving the welfare of soldiers must be a real priority, not just a slogan," said Puan in her statement, Sunday, October 5.

As a state institution that has a function of legislation, supervision, and budgeting, said Puan, the DPR RI is committed to continuing to strengthen political support and policies for the modernization of the TNI in a transparent and accountable manner.

"The strengthening of the TNI must not be separated from the main mission of the universal people's defense, ensuring that every defense policy has a direct impact on the sense of security and well-being of people in all corners of the country," explained Puan.

Puan also requested that the commemoration of the TNI's 80th Anniversary not only be a ceremonial celebration, but a momentum to reaffirm the nation's collective commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty and dignity of the country.

"The TNI has proven that loyalty to the people and the constitution is the true power," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

In the future, added Puan, the close collaboration between the TNI, the Government, and the Indonesian House of Representatives must be the foundation in realizing the vision of Indonesia Gold 2045, Indonesia which is sovereign, resilient, and advanced in the midst of global regulations.

"The 80th Indonesian National Army Dirgahayu. TNI Prima, TNI Rakyat, Indonesia Maju For the Sake of Sovereignty and Interest of the Nation," he concluded.