Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto praised military and police officers of the Patriot II Task Force for enhancing Indonesia’s image by successfully leading the 2025 Bastille Day Parade in France.

“You have carried out your duties well with remarkable focus. Your performance has certainly placed Indonesia in the global spotlight,” he told the officers at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in East Jakarta on Friday.

He expressed confidence that the contingent’s participation in France’s national day celebrations would further strengthen the harmonious ties between Indonesia and France.

The commander emphasized that the task force’s presence had opened avenues for the two countries to ensure the sustainability of their relations and explore further cooperation opportunities, especially in the defense sector.

He also reminded all task force personnel to return to their respective units and continue serving the nation with dedication.

“On behalf of the nation and the state, we thank you for your excellent performance in France. Now, it is time to return to your units and continue safeguarding our security,” Subiyanto remarked.

The TNI, National Police (Polri), and their academies sent a combined 491 personnel to form the Patriot II Task Force, which led a marching parade along the Champs-Élysées in Paris during the Bastille Day celebrations.

Consisting of drum band and majorette units, the Indonesian contingent performed the national song Maju Tak Gentar as they marched past the high-level stage, where Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron were seated.

President Prabowo stood in attention and saluted the troops, while his French counterpart applauded their performance.

The two leaders later shared their impressions of the celebrations on social media.

“I am proud that the TNI contingent took part in the military parade along the Champs-Élysées, opening the event with a drum band performance,” Prabowo wrote on his personal Instagram account, @prabowo.

Macron shared a similar sentiment, stating that he was proud to see Indonesian and French soldiers marching together.

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