"History has recorded that the TNI was born out of the people. The great Commander General Sudirman stated that the relationship between the TNI and the people was akin to that of fish and water. Fish will not live without water. It is the people who conceived, cared for, and raised the TNI," the president remarked.
He further reiterated that the TNI must affirm its identity as the army of the people; and to this end, the TNI should not forget the people, should not hurt the sentiments of the people, and should not stay away from the people.
"It is only by staying together with the people that the military can become strong in its duty and devotion to the nation and will be respected by other nations in the world," President Widodo stated.
Besides this, the head of state said the TNI also has the identity of being combat soldiers with willpower and unyielding spirit to make Indonesia a sovereign and independent nation.
First Lady Iriana, ministers of the Working Cabinet, TNI Chief General Gatot Nurmantyo, National Police Chief General Badrodin Haiti, and some other military officials were also present at TNIs 70th anniversary event in Cilegon.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2015
