Udayana Military Command: Joni Climbing Flagpoles Graduates Candidates For Indonesian Army NCOs

Head of Information for Regional Military Command (Kapendam) IX/Udayana Colonel Inf. Agung Udayana. ANTARA/Rolandus Nampu

DENPASAR - Head of Information for Kodam (Kapendam) IX/Udayana Colonel Inf. Agung Udayana stated that Yohanes Ande Kalla (Joni), who had gone viral because of his heroic actions of climbing the flagpole in 2018, passed the selection of prospective Indonesian Army non-commissioned officers.

Colonel Inf. Agung Udayana said that Joni had participated in the entire selection series of Indonesian Army non-commissioned officers and was included in the category of special skills selection.

Although initially declared not fulfilled because of the high requirements, Joni had the opportunity to follow a series of tests to explore other specific potentials.

"Because of his seriousness and enthusiasm for taking a series of tests, supported by the guidance of the coaches by taking advantage of the available time," said Kapendam, finally the person concerned reached the central level.

"Joni is declared to have passed the 2024 Expert Category of PK TNI AD Detention Center in Bandung," said Colonel Inf. Agung Udayana as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, September 25.

Kapendam explained that Joni's success was the result of the hard work and seriousness involved in achieving his goals.

Furthermore, Joni will carry out education at Rindam IX/Udayana in accordance with the origin of the registration area and join other regular PK non-commissioned candidates who have passed the selection.

In accordance with the Schedule for the Implementation of Candidates for TNI AD Officers, Joni and 218 people will attend the Opening Ceremony of NCO PK TNI AD T2024 Education on 27 September 2024 at Rindam IX/Udy.

He explained that Joniakan took the education for 5 months, then underwent vocational education for 3 months.

Previously, Jonis had gone viral because of his reckless action to climb the 15-meter high flagpole during the commemoration ceremony of the 73rd Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia at Mota Ain Square, Belu Regency, August 17, 2018.

Because of the action, Joni and his parents were invited by President Joko Widodo to attend a state event at the Presidential Palace.

Joni, who was invited by the President to the Presidential Palace with his parents, will now become a state servant according to his request to the President of the Republic of Indonesia at that time thanks to his efforts and hard work.

With all the assessments and considerations by the selection committee, finally Joni managed to pass to take part in the TNI AD TNI AD Education TA2024.