Jokowi Visits TNI Alutsista Exhibition, Had A Joke To Iriana KSAD Andika To Become The Driver

President Joko Widodo (Photo: Cabinet Secretariat RI)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) visited the exhibition of the main weapon system equipment (alutsista) after leading the ceremony to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the TNI on Tuesday, October 5. This exhibition was held at North Merdeka Street and West Merdeka Street since Sunday, October 3.

From the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube show, Jokowi and First Lady Iriana Widodo left with Vice President Ma'ruf Amin from the State Palace using a golf cart or golf cart. The former governor of DKI Jakarta seemed to be driving the car he was using.

He seemed to point to several defense equipments parked in front of the Presidential Palace. After walking a few meters, he and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin got out of the golf cart to see the defense equipment parked.

Jokowi and Ma'ruf Amin saw the defense equipment and occasionally listened to the explanation of the TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto who was accompanied by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD. In the group, KSAD General Andika Perkasa, KSAL Admiral Yudo Margono, and KSAU Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo were also present.

On that occasion, Jokowi also joked with First Lady Iriana Widodo, offering him a ride to one of the defense equipment systems. "Which one do you want to ride, let Mr. Andika drive later," he said with a laugh.

After seeing a number of defense equipment, Jokowi and his entourage returned to using a golf cart to continue to explore the exhibition.

Previously, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Heru Budi Hartono said the defense equipment exhibition was held so that the public knew about the defense equipment owned by the TNI. In addition, it is also to bring the TNI closer to the community.

"There are more than 100 units of the TNI's defense equipment on display, of course, giving pride to us, the whole community. And of this defense equipment, most of them are rarely known to the public," said Heru in Jakarta, Monday, October 4, 2021.

Several types of defense equipment on display were 2 units of light tactical vehicles Sherpa Light Scout, 35 units of tactical Anoa vehicle, 8 units of Indonesia Light Strike Vehicle (ILSV) Armored Personnel Carrier, and 2 units of Rantis Bushmaster.

There are also 19 P6 ATAV units, 18 Mistral Missiles, 2 MPCV Mistral units, 4 MCP radar units, 2 BTR 4 units, 1 Alligator unit, 2 Turangga APC units, 4 RM 70 Vampire MLRS units along with 1 Rantis Tatrapan unit, 2 units Orlikon Skyshield, 4 units of MLRS Astros, and 6 units of Armed Caesar 155 MM.

Heru realized that the existence of the defense equipment system would certainly attract the attention of road users. "For the community, we ask for their understanding and apologize if they pass through the Palace area because their journey will be hampered," said Heru.