President leads ceremony to mark TNI anniversary

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (C) reviews a military parade during the 65th Indonesian military anniversary in Jakarta on October 5, 2010. Indonesian military or Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) celebrated its anniversary displaying Indonesian jet fighters including Russian-made Sukhoi, American-made F16, F5 Tiger, Hawk and South Korean-made Woong Bee. (Photo: Getty Images)

October 5, 2010, Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono led a ceremony to observe the 65th anniversary of Indonesia`s National Defense Forces (TNI) at Halim Perdanakusuma air force base in east Jakarta on Tuesday.

The head of state, flanked by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, arrived at the venue of the ceremony at around 9 am local time.

Also present on the occasion were among others TNI Chief Adminaral Agus Suhartono, the chiefs of staff of the Air Force, Navy and Army, cabinet ministers and foreign diplomats.

Following the ceremony, the president attended a reception held to entertain guests.
Meanwhile, President Yudhoyono was scheduled to leave for The Netherlands on Tuesday afternoon for a three-day state visit.

"The President and entourage are expected to arrive at Schiphol international airport early Wednesday (local time), October 6, 2010," presidential spokesman for foreign affairs Teuku Faizasyah said here on Monday.

On Wednesday, the Indonesian leader and his entourage would be greeted in a state ceremony at the Noordeinde Palace where they would later attend a state reception and lunch with Queen Beatrix and her family.

"On the occasion of the lunch, the Indonesian President will receive an Order of the Dutch Lion award from Queen Beatrix. The two state leaders will later exchange souvenirs," he said.

The "Order of the Dutch Lion" is a distinction created by King William I on September 29, 1815 and given to noted figures from various fields including ministers, generals, mayors and artists.
Indonesian soldiers watch parachutists during the 65th Indonesian military anniversary in Jakarta on October 5, 2010. (Photo: Getty Images)

Jet fighters Sukhoi Su-27SKM are seen in the sky during a military ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of the Indonesia National Military in Jakarta October 5, 2010. (Photo: Reuters)

An Indonesian man shoots Russian-made Indonesian jet fighters Sukhoi maneuver. (Photo: Getty Images)

Indonesian soldiers take pictures as Sukhoi Su-27SKM fighter jets pass by during a ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of the Indonesia National Military in Jakarta October 5, 2010. (Photo: Reuters)


Indonesia's U.N peacekeeping force personnel march during a ceremony to commemorate the 65th military anniversary at a base in Jakarta, October 5, 2010. (Photo: Reuters)

An Indonesian special forces Kopassus soldier helps his colleague adjust his beret before a ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of the Indonesia National Military in Jakarta October 5, 2010. (Photo: Reuters)

Indonesian special forces Kopassus soldiers march during a ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of the Indonesia National Military in Jakarta October 5, 2010. (Photo: Reuters)

ANTARA News/Reuters/Getty Images

President calls for better soldiers' welfare

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono stands in a car during an inspection at a ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of the Indonesia National Military in Jakarta October 5, 2010. (Photo: Reuters)

October 05, 2010, Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has instructed the Finance Minister, Defence Minister and the Indonesian Military Chief to prepare a policy to provide welfare for the soldiers in accordance with their duties and responsibilities.

“Give incentive for soldiers posted in border areas, isolated areas and border islands. I also request for a housing program policy for the soldiers,” Yudhoyono said in a speech at the 65th anniversary of the Indonesian Military (TNI) celebration at Halim Perdana Kusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono presided over a ceremony on parade and procession to commemorate the anniversary.

Also attending the event were several former TNI high-ranking officers such as former TNI commander Gen. (Ret.) Djoko Santoso and former Vice President Gen. (ret.) Try Sutrisno, who is also the former military commander.

The Jakarta Post

Rehearsal of the 65th anniversary ceremony

October 03, 2010, Jakarta -- Indonesia military chief Admiral Agus Suhartono talks to journalists during a press conference after a rehearsal of the 65th anniversary ceremony in Jakarta on October 3, 2010. Indonesian military forces will celebrate their 65th anniversary on October 5. (Photo: Getty Images)

Indonesia military musicians perform during a rehearsal for the 65th anniversary ceremony in Jakarta on October 3, 2010. (Photo: Getty Images)

Deputy Mefense Minister visits Bunaken for ARF-DIREX 2011

Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia (Feb. 12, 2005) – Two U.S. Navy Sailors carry an injured Indonesian man on a stretcher from an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Five (HC-5), at Albadin University Hospital in Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia. The man received medical treatment aboard the Military Sealift Command (MSC) hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). Mercy is serving as an enabling platform to assist humanitarian operations ashore in ways that host nations and international relief organization find useful. Mercy is currently off the waters of Indonesia in support of Operation Unified Assistance, the humanitarian relief effort to aid the victims of the tsunami that struck Southeast Asia. (Photo: U.S. Navy /Journalist 1st Class Joshua Smith)

October 2, 2010, Manado, North Sulawesi - Deputy Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin visited Bunaken island, Manado, North Sulawesi, Saturday to inspect preparations for International ASEAN Regional Forum Disaster Relief Exercise (ARF-DIREX) which will be held in Manado in March next year.

On the occasion Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin was accompanied by North Sulawesi Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang and representatives of the social affairs ministry, National Disaster management (BNPB) and others.

ARF DIREX manages natural disasters and to be attended by 27 countries and co-chaired by Indonesia and Japan.

The strategic momentum will be used by Indonesia to serve its national interests, including handling natural disasters and improve coordination and establish cooperation between civil and military and integrate cooperation between the central and regional governments.

"The current preparations are already one-third completed," he said.

Sjafrie said the reason for holding the event in Manado is serving the political aspect (as a ARF decision), strategic position of Manado, and experience and leadership aspects.

According to him, the main goals of the event were to achieve good management in handling natural disasters and tourism.

"The role of the local administrations is absolutely needed in the event. As many as 27 countries will take part in the event next year," he said.

According to schedule, the deputy defense minister also visited Wori sub-district to inspect preparations for ARF DIREX in Wori sub-district.

ANTARA News