ABRI celebrates golden anniversary in style

Photo A/B: Parade

JP/Arief Suhardiman S. JP/Arief Suhardiman S.

ABRI COLORS: Calvary troopers carry the flags of the Armed Forces, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the National Police (photo above) to open the 50th ABRI anniversary parade at Halim Perdanakusuma air base in Jakarta. A podium filled with soldiers and civilian employees of the Armed Forces spelled out various messages, including one that read "50 Years of ABRI", as a backdrop to the ceremony (photo below).

Photo C/D: Salute

JP/Alex Lumi JP/Arief Suhardiman S.

SOEHARTO AND HIS GENERALS: President Soeharto salutes the passing units during the parade, while Air Force Chief Marshal Rilo Pambudi, Army Chief Gen. R. Hartono, ABRI Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung, Navy Chief Admiral Tanto Kuswanto and National Police Chief Banurusman Astrosemitro (from left to right in above photo) stand behind him. Lt. Gen. Sofyan Effendi, 52, commanded the ceremony (left photo). Traditionally, the honor is given to a colonel.

Photo E/F/G: Display

JP/Arief Suhardiman S. JP/Arief Suhardiman S. JP/Alex Lumi

AIR AND FIRE POWER: More than 173 military aircraft, in various formations, dot the sky over Halim Perdanakusuma (left most photo). Thousands of people watch a parachutist, flying the Navy banner, land at the air base (left photo). Marines display their diligence in handling their rifles (photo above).

Photo H/I/J: Officers

JP/Alex Lumi JP/Alex Lumi JP/Arief Suhardiman S.

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE: Scorpion tanks, recently delivered from Britain, were the latest military equipment displayed at the parade (left photo). High-ranking officers of all four forces show that even at their age they can still take part in the parade (photo above). Members of the Army's elite force Kopassus are airlifted during a rescue mission, one of the simulated military operations performed at the ceremony. (right photo).