Indonesian Marine Corps Receives 947 New Troops

The Indonesian Navy’s Marine Corps (TNI AL) received 947 new soldiers, comprising non-commissioned officers (Bintara) and enlisted personnel (Tamtama), during a beret presentation ceremony at Baruna Beach, South Malang, East Java, on Monday (22/6).

An official Marine Corps press release received in Jakarta on Tuesday explained that the awarding of the purple beret marked the culmination of a two-month education period undertaken by the troops.

“You have passed a series of heavy and challenging commando practical exercises typical of the Marines for approximately two months. The entire process aims to build physical readiness, mentality, character and leadership spirit so that you become tough, disciplined, brave and professional soldiers in facing increasingly complex task demands in the future,” said Marine Corps Commander Lieutenant General TNI Endi Supardi during his address at the purple beret ceremony.

Endi explained that over the two months, the soldiers completed five stages of commando education, covering commando basics, maritime operations, jungle and mountain warfare, guerrilla warfare and counter-guerrilla operations. All these stages, Endi said, were designed to forge the physical toughness, mentality, character and leadership spirit of Marine commando soldiers.

At the end of the education, the soldiers had to undergo the final stage, namely the cross-country march (limed). In this stage, the soldiers had to walk a distance of 300 to 350 kilometres from Banyuwangi to the beret presentation site at Baruna Beach. “For over ten days, they walked carrying complete combat equipment, passing through various heavy terrains as the final test before officially becoming part of the Marine Corps,” Endi stated.

All soldiers successfully passed the process and finally donned the purple beret, the hallmark of the Navy’s Marine Corps. Endi expressed his hope that the new soldiers would become tough, professional, militant individuals of character who are able to uphold the good name of the Marine Corps. “Soldiers must continue to train, improve their abilities, and dedicate themselves sincerely for the glory of the Marine Corps, the Navy, the nation, and the state,” he said.