Sjafrie: Prabowo a Veteran Fighter for East Timor's Independence in 1976

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin attended the peak commemoration of National Veterans Day 2026 at Balai Sudirman, Tebet, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (12/8/2026). The event was also attended by Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak, Air Force Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, and Deputy Navy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Edwin. Thousands of veterans from the three branches of the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the National Police were also present.

In his speech, the Defence Minister reminded attendees of the historical value of national veterans that should be emulated by the nation’s next generation and youth. This value involves maintaining honour as an example after retiring from physical service to the country.

Sjafrie also conveyed greetings and warm regards from President Prabowo Subianto to all Indonesian veterans. He noted that Prabowo is also a veteran who fought to defend independence in East Timor in 1976.

On this basis, Sjafrie affirmed the government’s full commitment to guaranteeing the rights and welfare of the nation’s fighters. He stated that the state has never turned away from their services in helping to uphold the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia to this day. Consequently, he has sent a letter to Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to advocate for an increase in veterans’ pensions.

“Granting rights to veterans is a state obligation. The state will never forget the services of veterans. In fact, in the delivery earlier, there was a special copy sent to the Minister of Finance to ensure the rights and welfare of veterans continue to be fulfilled,” said Sjafrie.