Jokowi Reminds TNI, Must Be Sensitive To Food Affairs

President Jokowi while inspecting rice fields in Pekalongan, Central Java (doc Setneg)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo reminded TNI soldiers to have sensitivity to the food needs of the community, in addition to carrying out their duties to maintain national security.

This was revealed by Jokowi when reading the mandate of the ceremony inspector at the 78th Commemoration Ceremony of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Day at the National Monument (Monas) of Central Jakarta.

"I ask all TNI members to have awareness and sensitivity related to this (food) because food matters are stomach matters, very important and determine the stability of the nation," said Jokowi at Monas, Thursday, October 5.

Jokowi reminded that currently many countries are facing a food crisis. The TNI, according to him, must play a role in maintaining the food crisis in Indonesia.

"I also want to remind you that the world is facing a crisis, especially the food crisis due to climate change and due to disruption of the world supply chain. 22 countries have restricted food exports, stopped food exports," he explained.

On the other hand, the former Governor of DKI Jakarta advised all TNI personnel to provide a peaceful political understanding to the public ahead of the 2024 General Election.

According to Jokowi, the public needs to be reminded that the difference in political choices of each person is a natural thing in the election contestation.

"We have entered the political year. I ask to keep the peaceful conditions true, put out the slightest spark immediately. Give the public an understanding that the difference of choice is natural, winning and losing is also natural," he explained.

Starting today's TNI Anniversary ceremony, Jokowi conducted an inspection of troops by riding a amphibious tank across TNI soldiers as participants in the ceremony. During the examination of this troop, Jokowi was accompanied by the TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono and the ceremonial commander, namely the Commander of the Infantry Division (Pangdivif) 3 Kostrad Major General TNI Choirul Anam.

This activity was also attended by Iriana Joko Widodo, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin with Wuri Ma'ruf Amin, as well as ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet and leaders of state agencies/institutions.

The previous vice presidents, high-ranking TNI officials, and state guests were also present as invited guests for the 78th Commemoration Ceremony of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Day.

A total of 4,636 personnel participated in the parade and defile ceremony of the TNI's 78th Anniversary. After the ceremony, the TNI Anniversary was enlivened by parachuting with 78 personnel from the air and landing at the Monas yard. Acrobatics of the fighter aircraft surrounding the Monas monument were also carried out.

Hundreds of defense equipment were also exhibited in the commemoration. Among them are the deployment of 91 aircraft from land, sea and air dimensions that will cross the sky over the Monas area, as well as 140 land defense equipment exhibited in the 78th Anniversary of the TNI. Not only defense equipment, the TNI will also show off missiles imported from abroad.

The commemoration of the 78th Anniversary of the TNI continued with a helly dance accompanied by a family club song and followed by Wan TNI and women as many as 300 personnel, a performance of the cadets of the TNI Academy with 250 personnel, and closed with a demonstration of Kolone Kolosal Rifle as many as 678 personnel.

After that, the TNI will distribute tens of thousands of food packages to the community by convoy along the road from the National Monument (Monas) to the HI Roundabout area, Central Jakarta this afternoon.

Meanwhile, the theme for this year's TNI's 78th Anniversary is "TNI Patriot NKRI Guards Democracy for Advanced Indonesia".

The theme implies that the TNI as the main component of national defense consisting of three land, sea and air dimensions will always be solid, solid and loyal to the Nation and Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, and will continue to oversee democracy in synergy with all components of the Indonesian nation.