Army Chief Of Staff: Joni Must Undergo Feasibility Tests As A Member Of The TNI

Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak greeted the people of Sijantuk Village, Galang, Batam City, Riau Islands, Thursday (8/8/2024). (ANTARA/Laily Rahmawaty)

BATAM - Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak said, Joni, a child who went viral for climbing the flagpole during the August 17 ceremony in Tapal Bata Regency, Belu, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), was required to undergo a feasibility test as a member of the Indonesian National Army (TNI).

"So, (Joni) still has to take part in the selection (to become a member of the TNI)," said Maruli after reviewing social services at the Galang Special Hospital for Infection (RSKI), Batam City, Riau Islands, reported by ANTARA, Thursday, August 8.

Maruli explained that to be accepted as a soldier, there are three important things that must be met, namely psychological, mental ideological and health.

If the three points are met and are good, it will be a priority to be accepted.

Every test carried out is important, to produce quality soldiers, able to carry out tasks in any situation.

Such as health tests, and psychological tests to check the ability of prospective TNI members to control stress.

Currently, said Maruli, Joni, whose full name is Joni Ande Kala (19), is currently participating in a follow-up selection to check his health and psychological tests.

"So can he (Joni) not follow that. The psychological test, can't be done later, if the army must be able to control stress. When it comes to tasks in the forest, it's stressful, can't he overcome it, don't experience mental disorders yourself," he said.

Maruli appreciated Joni for his heroic actions in climbing the flagpole during the August 17 ceremony in 2018, until he was praised by President Joko Widodo.

"The story is that Joni is carrying out something very heroic, has been praised until the President is the muji. So, we are now following him with the selection, there will be a follow-up process," said Maruli.