President Prabowo leads National Pilgrimage and solemn reflection at TMPNU

President Prabowo Subianto led the National Pilgrimage and Solemn Reflection ceremony in commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia at the Kalibata National Heroes’ Cemetery (TMPNU) in Jakarta on Sunday evening.

President Prabowo arrived at TMPNU Kalibata at around 11.45 p.m. Western Indonesia Time. He wore a suit and black peci cap with a blue tie.

“Let us bow our heads, remembering the service and spirits of the heroes who sacrificed their lives and bodies for the independence and honour of the Indonesian nation. The moment of silence begins,” said President Prabowo while leading the moment of silence, as quoted from a written statement.

The President’s arrival was welcomed by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Minister of Defence Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf.

The ceremony began with the laying of a wreath by President Prabowo at the TMPNU Kalibata monument.

Next, the President led a moment of silence to remember and honour the service of the heroes who had sacrificed their lives and bodies for Indonesia’s independence.

After the moment of silence, the President and all ceremony participants paid their respects to the spirits of the heroes.

The ceremony proceeded solemnly and was attended by leaders of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), the House of Representatives (DPR RI), the Regional Representatives Council (DPD RI), ministers and deputy ministers, heads of government institutions, elements of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), as well as families of the heroes.

Police Senior Commissioner Muhammad Reza Chairul Akbar Sidiq served as Troop Commander, while the Ceremony Officer role was entrusted to Brigadier General Fitriana Nur Heru Wibawa, Commander of the 1st Joint Regional Defence Command/Jakarta.

After the entire ceremony concluded, President Prabowo departed from TMPNU Kalibata.

TMPNU Kalibata covers an area of approximately 23 hectares and serves as the final resting place for more than 10,000 national heroes.

A number of national figures are buried in the complex, including the third Foreign Minister Agus Salim, the first Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir, the third Vice President Adam Malik, the third President B.J. Habibie, as well as General Ahmad Yani and veterans of the Indonesian National Revolution.