"It should be noted that our nation needs a strong military because no nation can remain independent without a powerful defense force. I repeat once again, no nation is independent without a strong military," he remarked in West Bandung, West Java, on Sunday.
The president made the statement while serving as inspector at a grand ceremony marking the structural expansion of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) at the Center for Education and Training of the Special Forces Command (Kopassus) of the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) in Batujajar.
Prabowo underlined that while Indonesia is a peaceful and benign country, it must still strengthen its military to prevent any recurrence of foreign powers exploiting its natural resources or inciting internal conflicts.
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On that note, he reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the 1945 Constitution, which mandates the protection of Indonesia’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and wealth.
"Having sworn loyalty to the 1945 Constitution as the president of the Republic of Indonesia, I will do my best to carry out my duties in a responsible manner," Prabowo emphasized.
During the ceremony, he inaugurated General Tandyo Budi Revita as TNI Deputy Commander—a post vacant since its abolition in 2000—and launched six new TNI-AD regional military commands, bringing the total to 21.
The expansion also saw the inauguration of 14 Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) regional commands, three Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) regional commands, six Kopassus groups, and 100 territorial development battalions, among other units.
In addition, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin was awarded the title of honorary general, along with several other retired TNI officers.
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Translator: Andi F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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