Prabowo: TNI is the People's Army
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stated that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is a people’s army.
This was conveyed by Prabowo while delivering a mandate during the 81st TNI Anniversary ceremony on 5 October 2026 at the TNI Headquarters, Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Monday (5/10).
“Brothers and sisters, the strength of the TNI since its inception has never been inseparable from the people. The TNI is the people’s army. The TNI is the national army. The TNI is the army of fighters,” said Prabostwo.
According to Prabowo, this aligns with the theme of the 81st TNI Anniversary, which is ‘A strong TNI alongside the people, a sovereign, just, and prosperous Indonesia’.
Prabowo stated that the TNI was born from the people. He noted that the TNI also fights alongside the people, even before the state could provide a budget.
“The TNI was established from the people, without being paid. It is the entire Indonesian people who feed the TNI. All the strength of the TNI must, therefore, be dedicated to protecting the people,” he said.
“Your soul and your body no longer belong to you; they no longer belong to your family. Your soul and body belong to the Indonesian people. Therefore, never stay far from the people; you must be in the midst of the people. TNI soldiers must always listen to the people’s difficulties and must be present when the people are in need,” he added.
Prabowo said he has personally witnessed how TNI soldiers are present among the people during disasters, ranging from floods, landslides, and earthquakes to volcanic eruptions and forest and land fires.
“Brothers and sisters, you arrive without being ordered; every commander takes initiative, and every commander-in-chief does not wait for orders from above. The people’s difficulties are the responsibility of the Indonesian National Armed Forces,” he remarked.
Prabowo mentioned that TNI soldiers are present to rebuild broken roads and arrive even when conditions remain dangerous, even sacrificing lives and limbs to assist the people.
“In difficult times like these, the people see who is truly present with them. I express my gratitude and my respect to you. Continue to be the people’s army. A strong army is an army that is close to the people,” said Prabowo.