TNI's 80th Anniversary

The Monas sky that morning reflected the soft green hues of thousands of soldiers' new uniforms lined up neatly. In the presence of President Prabowo Subianto, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsuddin, Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto, the Vice President, high-ranking state officials, and thousands of citizens, Indonesia's military history was writing a new chapter. The TNI was transforming into a force based on technology, science, and strategic reasoning.

In his keynote speech for the 80th anniversary of the TNI on Sunday, October 5, 2025, President Prabowo Subianto didn't talk about past wars. He looked to the future. He talked about the modernization of the TNI to face a new era—a world marked by cyberwarfare, autonomous drones, artificial intelligence, and unarmed attacks.

His orders were firm. All ranks of the TNI must abandon the old ways. "There is no place for incompetent TNI leaders," he declared loudly. He emphasized that future promotions within the TNI would no longer be based on seniority, but on meritocracy and capacity. This reform marked a major shift, from a conventional hierarchy to a system based on expertise and professionalism.

This modernization now had a visual symbol. A digital sage green combat uniform. Since the 1980s, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has used the Malvinas pattern—an icon of the past that has now been officially replaced. The Head of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Information Center, Major General (Mar) Freddy Ardianzah, explained that the grayish green color is more effective for camouflage in tropical terrain and is designed with a micro-digital pattern for optimal performance in various extreme conditions.

This new uniform is not cosmetic, but rather a political and professional message. The TNI is leaving behind the old era and entering a new era that is more adaptive to non-traditional threats.

One of the main highlights of the 2025 TNI Anniversary was the introduction of the Unmanned Autonomous Submarine (KSOT-008) made by PT PAL. This vessel can operate for up to 72 hours underwater, reach a speed of 20 knots, and reach 200 nautical miles. Its navigation system is claimed to be on par with global military standards.

The KSOT-008 is more than just a defense system. It is a symbol of the independence of the national defense industry—that Indonesia is no longer completely dependent on foreign countries to maintain its maritime sovereignty. This also includes a number of warships manufactured by PT PAL and, of course, weapons and military equipment manufactured by PT Pindad.

According to the Global Firepower 2025 report, as quoted by CNBC, Indonesia currently ranks 13th in the world and first in Southeast Asia with a Power Index score of 0.2557. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has more than 400,000 active personnel, 331 ships, 331 tanks, and 75 fighter aircraft.

In the near future, Indonesia will also receive 42 French-made Rafale fighter jets worth US$8.1 billion, along with complete logistics and weaponry. On land, Leopard 2A4 and Leopard 2RI tanks are its mainstay, while at sea, the KRI Brawijaya-320—an Italian-built Thaon-class frigate from Revel—is the largest combat ship in the region. This data confirms that the strength of the modern Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is not just a slogan, but a reality recognized internationally.

Thousands of people crowded the National Monument (Monas) intersection since morning. From students to office workers, they enjoyed the parade of 133,000 soldiers and more than 1,000 defense equipment. "Hopefully, the TNI will become more professional and closer to the people," said one student. House Speaker Puan Maharani added, "In the era of technological disruption, cyber threats must be a national defense priority." Even the Rp80 public transportation fare is a simple symbol that the TNI wants to be more present in the public sphere, not just on the battlefield.

October 5, 1945, is more than just a commemoration. That was the day President Sukarno established the People's Security Army (TKR)—the forerunner of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). From there, Indonesia established a defense based on discipline, sacrifice, and self-sovereignty.

Now, in the era of President Prabowo Subianto, these values ​​are being reinterpreted in the context of the times. From people power to science-based and systems-based power.

President Prabowo's speech at the National Monument (Monas) was not merely a military directive. It was an ideological declaration. That the TNI's true strength no longer lay solely in weapons, but in common sense, ethics, and science. When promotions were based on achievement, not seniority, Prabowo planted the seeds of meritocracy within the most hierarchical institution in the country. Civilian reform may have been slow, but military reform appears to have begun—quietly, but truly.

The 2025 TNI Anniversary is not just a parade under the Jakarta sky. It marks a major shift. From a people's army to a technological army. An army ready to face war in the modern era.

In the era of President Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is no longer merely a defensive fortress, but also the guardian of natural resources and the nation's rationality amidst increasingly uncertain global change. Because revolution doesn't always come with the sound of cannon fire. Sometimes it's born of discipline, courage, and the calm of ranks that stand tall under the green skies of history.

Happy 80th Anniversary of the TNI. TNI PRIMA (Professional, Responsive, Integrative, Modern, and Adaptive).