"Our troops did well, didn’t they? It made us proud," he said in his remarks during the closing of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) Congress at Muhammadiyah University Surakarta (UMS) on Sunday.
Prabowo noted that during France’s National Day celebration, the Indonesian contingent was honored with the leading position in the military parade.
As the lead formation, Indonesia became the first foreign country to open the Bastille Day parade this year.
Prabowo commended the discipline and performance of the Indonesian troops, stating that, as a former soldier, he was proud of how the troops represented the nation.
"I am proud as a former soldier. Our troops did not bring us shame in France," he stated.
Following the parade, Prabowo revealed that several countries had shown interest in inviting Indonesian military contingents to their respective national day celebrations.
"Now, a number of countries are asking, ‘Can Indonesia participate in our national day?’ India has asked, France again, and now Pakistan. I don’t even know which country will be next," he remarked.
For this year's Bastille Day, Indonesia deployed a contingent named "Patriot Task Force II," comprising approximately 500 personnel from the National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), and cadets from their respective academies.
The contingent began intensive training in France starting July 8, followed by a full dress rehearsal on July 13. A total of 451 ceremonial troops and 53 support personnel were sent from Indonesia on July 6.
Indonesia’s participation in Bastille Day 2025 is expected to strengthen bilateral relations with France and showcase the country’s cultural and military prowess on the global stage.
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Translator: Fathur, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Anton Santoso
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