The request was expressed by President Yudhoyono through his official Twitter account on Tuesday morning, coinciding with the 61st anniversary of Kopassus.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked the Army`s Special Forces (Kopassus) to maintain professionalism in performing duties as the national special security forces.

The request was expressed by President Yudhoyono through his official Twitter account on Tuesday morning, coinciding with the 61st anniversary of Kopassus.

"Happy Anniversary to Kopassus. Keep professionalism. Always be the national pride," the president wrote on his Twitter account during his visit to fishing village of Pasirputih in Karawang district, West Java.

President Yudhoyono`s Twitter account, @SBYudhoyono, was officially launched on Saturday night (April 13), and so far has had more than 800,000 followers.

Meanwhile, Kopassus Commandant Maj. Gen. Agus Sutomo expressed confidence that no one can destroy the Army`s Special Forces which has existed for 61 years.

"Kopassus is a national asset owned by the state and the people, not the marines. Therefore, the state and all citizens should support Kopassus, since it is also a national weapon. No one can destroy Kopassus," Sutomo said in his speech at the 61st Anniversary of Kopassus at Cijantung, East Jakarta.

On that occasion, he urged all Kopassus soldiers to commit themselves develop positive characters, such as honesty, chivalry nature, responsible, and high-spirited corps.

"Besides, we have to stick with one expression that will always be our principle. "Straight up loyalty"," he said.

He added, Kopassus is a part of the Indonesian Military (TNI), of which Kopassus acts as the frontline in maintaining the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia and in keeping the safety of the people.

A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives` Commission I, Susaningtyas Kertopati, hoped that Kopassus stands as special forces who are determined to preserve the Republic of Indonesia in the spirit of its corps.

Kertopati also urged Kopassus to continue upholding the human rights as well as having the vision and mission of national defense, that comes with the spirit of reform into a better future.

The commemoration of the 61st Kopassus anniversary was also attended by former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Vice Chairman of the House Priyo Budisantoso, Regional Representatives Council (DPD) Speaker Irman Gusman, former Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, current Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo, Lt. Gen. (ret.) Prabowo Subianto, and a number of retired high ranking officials of the National Army(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013