Purpose of the Ministry of Defence Inviting Former TNI Commanders
Head of the Defence Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defence (Kemenhan), Rico Ricardo Sirait, stated that Kemenhan and the TNI held a silaturahmi with TNI retirees at the Kemenhan Building, Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, on Friday morning, 24 April 2026. The event aimed to strengthen communication between TNI retirees and active soldiers.
“An effort to strengthen strategic communication between the active generation and seniors who have made significant contributions to national defence,” he said at the Ministry of Defence Building, Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, on Friday, 24 April 2026.
That morning, several former TNI Commanders gathered at the Kemenhan Building. They convened to attend the silaturahmi hosted by the Minister of Defence with the retirees.
Rico said the event also served to strengthen the continuity of strategic thinking across generations, ensuring that national defence policies maintain strong historical roots. “While remaining responsive to future challenges,” he added.
According to him, the event provided a forum to convey the latest developments regarding the direction of national defence policies, including future TNI strength development strategies.
“At the same time, listening to various inputs and constructive views from the retirees on the evolving strategic environment,” he said.
On that occasion, Kemenhan reaffirmed that Indonesia’s defence policy remains based on constitutional principles and national interests. The active defensive strategy, he said, is oriented towards safeguarding state sovereignty without disrupting regional stability.
In addition, the meeting discussed various programmes to strengthen the TNI’s posture, both in terms of organisation, modernisation, and human resource development.
Some of those present included former ABRI Commander Wiranto, Yudo Margono, Agus Suhartono, Andika Perkasa, and Gatot Nurmantyo.
Also in attendance were Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago and former Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) and Presidential Special Advisor on National Defence General TNI Dudung Abdurachman.
Furthermore, Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) Maruli Simanjuntak, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force Admiral Muhammad Ali, and Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force Tonny Harjono were present. The event was also attended by Deputy TNI Commander Tandyo Budi Revita. The approximately three-hour event was held behind closed doors.