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SBY to lead TNI anniversary ceremony
Desy Nurhayati , The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Thu, 10/09/2008 10:29 AM | National
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to preside over a ceremony to mark the Indonesian Military's (TNI) 63rd anniversary, to be held in Surabaya on Oct. 14.
The government decided to reschedule the commemoration to Oct. 14 due to the week-long national Idul Fitri holidays. Previously, the TNI always commemorated its anniversary on its birthday on Oct. 5. However, Idul Fitri fell on Oct. 1 and 2 this year, and the related holidays stretched from Sept. 29 through Oct. 5.
On Wednesday, TNI spokesman Col. Ahmad Yani Basuki said the ceremony would take place at the Eastern Naval Fleet in Surabaya.
Yudhoyono met with TNI Chief of Staff Gen. Djoko Santoso and National Police chief Gen. Bambang Hendarso Danuri to discuss preparations for the ceremony.
"The ceremony will feature performances by soldiers from the Army, the Air Force and the Navy, such as parachuting, martial arts, swimming and a flyby," Basuki said after the meeting, adding there would be no special activities to mark this year's ceremony.
Basuki said state-run broadcaster TVRI and radio station RRI would carry the TNI chief's anniversary speech on Oct. 12, followed by a press conference.
"This year's ceremony is scheduled to be held at the naval fleet. Future ceremonies may take place at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base or Army headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta," he said.
He added a total of 5,438 military officers from the three forces would take part in the Oct. 14 event, for which preparations are still underway.
Thousands of participating soldiers will make their way to Surabaya next Monday, before holding a joint rehearsal at the venue.
Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno said he would personally check Thursday the final preparations for the event.
Three of Indonesia's four Russian-made Sukhoi fighter jets are expected to perform at the anniversary -- their second showcase since the purchase in 2004. A total of 40 military aircraft will join in the flyby.
The Navy will show off its 20 vessels during the ceremony, while 500 Army soldiers will perform Young Mo Do martial arts, Antara reported.
Edt (not verified) — Thu, 10/09/2008 - 6:15pm
to mark austin or who ever you are, yes SBY will attend the ceremony,and so..what?!!
Mark Austin (not verified) — Thu, 10/09/2008 - 12:50pm
Well, SBY wouldn't miss his masters' shindig, would he?