Before TNI Personnel, Defence Minister Sjafrie: You Are the People's Hope!

BELITUNG TIMUR — Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that personnel of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) represent the hopes of all Indonesians.

“You are the people’s hope. You are the foundation for the people to protect and safeguard the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia,” said Sjafrie, addressing personnel from the 845th Territorial Infantry Battalion (Yon TP 845/Ksatria Satam) at Simpang Renggiang, East Belitung, Bangka Belitung Islands, on Tuesday (17 March 2026).

Sjafrie stated that the 845th Territorial Infantry Battalion forms part of a programme establishing 150 Territorial Development Infantry Battalions tasked with protecting NKRI sovereignty whilst assisting communities in their operational areas.

He urged soldiers to appreciate the trust placed in them by the people. “The people must feel the benefit of your presence at this battalion headquarters. In all activities involving the people, you must participate,” he emphasised.

The former TNI Information Centre Chief (2002-2005) also stressed the importance of soldier preparedness in carrying out duties wherever required. “Because you are professional soldiers. Therefore, not a single soldier from this battalion should be unprepared to carry out duties,” he said firmly.

“Although your battalion is stationed here, you must be ready to carry out duties across all regions of the Indonesian nation,” he added.

Sjafrie reminded every soldier to practise TNI core values, such as the Sapta Marga, Soldiers’ Oath, and the Eight Obligations of the TNI, in daily life. “These must not merely be written down but must be embedded in your spirit and body as you serve the state and nation,” he stated.