This honor was confirmed when the Indonesian contingent, comprising soldiers and police officers, lined up at the front during a training session in Paris on Wednesday, July 9, according to a press release received here from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) on Thursday.
"Our contingent has been granted the honor of being the first troop to step right in front of the special podium where French President Emmanuel Macron will stand, at Place de la Concorde," Patriot II Task Force Commander, TNI Brigadier General Ferry Irawan, stated.
He noted that during the parade, the joint military-police troop will demonstrate disciplined, precise movements in formation, led by Lieutenant Colonel Bistok Simarmata.
He emphasized that the opportunity to lead the historic parade reflects the strong and enduring bilateral ties between Indonesia and France. With that in mind, the TNI officer assured that the task force will give its best throughout all activities, from training to the parade itself.
"We will make the most of this honorable opportunity by putting on our best performance to bring pride to our nation," Irawan stressed.
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Earlier, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, and National Police (Polri) Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo officially sent off the Indonesian contingent at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on July 6.
"As guests of honor, this contingent is set to take part in the Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, which commemorate the first French Revolution," Minister Sjamsoeddin remarked.
He explained that the contingent consists of approximately 500 personnel recruited from the TNI and Polri, as well as their academies. He noted that Indonesia is the only country directly invited by President Macron to join this year's Bastille Day parade.
The minister underlined that the invitation represents a great honor for Indonesia and is expected to further strengthen the country's global standing.
Macron extended the invitation during his recent meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta.
The Indonesian president has voiced his enthusiasm to take part in the celebrations and ordered Minister Sjamsoeddin to prepare the best troop for the parade.
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Translator: Walda M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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