Commander of Marine Corps: Ulama and TNI Together Maintain National Unity
The Commander of the Marine Corps (Pangkormar) of the Indonesian Navy, Lieutenant General (Mar) Endi Supardi, has asserted that religious scholars (ulama) and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) play a strategic role in maintaining the unity and integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
“Ulama and the TNI work together to maintain unity; both are pillars in guarding the integrity of the NKRI,” stated Endi Supardi while receiving an audience from the Indonesian Azhari Preachers and Mubaligh Forum (FORDAMAI) in Jakarta on Wednesday (3/6/2026).
According to Endi, a strong nation is supported not only by robust defence capabilities but also by the moral strength, ethics, and character of its people. Therefore, the synergy between religious scholars and soldiers must continue to be strengthened across various fields of national service.
During the meeting, the Marine Corps and FORDAMAI discussed opportunities for cooperation in national preaching (dakwah), community development, the strengthening of national insight, character education, and moral and spiritual guidance. Endi noted that the closeness between the TNI and religious figures is vital for strengthening social cohesion and instilling values of unity, discipline, service, and patriotism within society.
One of the key ideas emerging from the meeting was the development of the “Marines Preaching” programme, a collaboration between soldiers and preachers in various social, educational, and community development activities.
The General Chairman of FORDAMAI, KH Dr Fahmi Salim, welcomed this commitment. He stated that preachers and soldiers essentially share the same mission of serving the nation and maintaining the unity of the people.
“Preachers maintain the moral and spiritual resilience of the community, while the TNI maintains the sovereignty and security of the state. When both synergise, God willing, a great force will emerge to build an Indonesia that is religious, strong, peaceful, and dignified,” said Fahmi.
Fahmi explained that FORDAMAI is prepared to contribute to various programmes aimed at strengthening national character, including training in public communication, rhetoric, leadership, and preaching for Marine Corps personnel. These programmes are expected to strengthen the role of soldiers as role models within the community and as messengers of peaceful national values.
FORDAMAI serves as a platform for networking and collaboration among preachers, mubaligh, alumni, and students of Al-Azhar Egypt, operating in the fields of preaching, education, social welfare, and community empowerment. Through synergy with the Marine Corps, the organisation hopes to contribute to strengthening national unity, religious moderation, and national resilience.