Dave Laksono, Deputy Chair of House Commission I, overseeing defense and foreign affairs, said the tragic incident should serve as a wake-up call for a thorough evaluation of safety standards and technical procedures in staging military attractions in public spaces.

“Soldier safety must be the top priority, even during celebrations. Military demonstrations are not just about showcasing skill, but also about precision in procedures and technical preparedness,” Dave said on Monday, as quoted by Kompas.com. 

Dave urged the TNI to carry out a thorough internal audit of all safety protocols and training procedures related to ceremonial activities. Dave also stressed the importance of conducting proper simulations and feasibility tests for all equipment used in military demonstrations to ensure operational safety.

Read also: House passes contentious TNI Law amendments

He said Commission I will formally request a detailed report on the fatal incidents and reaffirmed the House’s commitment to supporting the TNI in improving safety standards.

“Honoring our soldiers isn’t just about holding celebrations or ceremonies. it’s about showing a real commitment to their safety in every assignment,” Dave said.

Two TNI personnel were killed in separate incidents during preparations for the TNI's 80th anniversary commemoration on Sunday.

The first incident occurred on October 2, when Chief Pvt. Zaenal Mutaqim, of the Marine Corps, experienced a parachute malfunction during a rubber duck operation over the Jakarta Bay.

A "rubber duck operation" is a military maneuver involving inflatable rubber boats, which are typically used for amphibious landings. In some scenarios, helicopters drop the boats into the water, followed by troops who parachute in or rappel down to assemble and use the boats to reach the shore.

The TNI said that although Zaenal eventually managed to open his parachute and land in the water, he sustained serious injuries during the incident. He was immediately evacuated by Navy rescuers and rushed to Gatot Subroto Regional General Hospital (RSUD) in Central Jakarta for emergency treatment.

Despite two days of intensive care, Zaenal passed away early Saturday morning at around 3 a.m. His body was laid to rest with full military honors in his hometown of Grobogan Regency, Central Java, hours later.

The second incident occurred less than a day after Zaenal’s passing, during a military rehearsal at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta.

First Pvt. Johari Alfarizi, a member of the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad), suffered a fatal neck injury after falling from a Marder tank that was being transported on a carrier at an estimated height of four meters. He died en route to the hospital.

Johari was buried with military honors in his hometown in North Aceh on Sunday.

Deputy TNI Chief Gen. Tandyo Budi Revita said the military will evaluate all preparations for the TNI’s 80th anniversary following the two fatal incidents.

“We will conduct a thorough evaluation of the entire event to prevent future casualties in similar activities,” he said on Tuesday, as quoted by Antaranews.

Read also: TNI security protection for AGO draws flak

The TNI 80th anniversary celebrations had been underway since August, featuring a range of events including a military fair, port tournament, student camping festival, memorial visit to heroes' cemeteries, sailing pass, and interfaith prayer gatherings.

The main event took place at the National Monument on October 5, and included a troop parade, parachute jumps, a military equipment display, live performances and free food bazaar. (nal)