TNI AD Clarifies: Pramuka Garuda Certificate Does Not Bypass Military Selection Tests

The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) has stated that a Pramuka Garuda certificate does not allow someone to be directly accepted as a soldier without undergoing the selection process. This clarification was made in response to a statement by the Chairperson of the National Scout Movement Quarter, Budi Waseso, who claimed the certificate could be used to apply for the TNI and Polri without testing. Head of the Army Information Service, Brigadier General Donny Pramono, said the TNI appreciates the spirit conveyed by the National Scout Movement Quarter regarding the importance of encouraging the younger generation to be active in scouting activities. According to him, the values built through scouting, such as discipline, leadership, nationalism, and a spirit of service, are indeed aligned with the character required of a TNI soldier. Donny stated that possessing a certificate or charter of national achievement can be an added value in the selection process. However, he stressed that all prospective soldiers must still follow the established selection mechanism, from administrative checks, health, physical fitness, psychology, and mental ideology, to other selection stages. He said this is important to ensure that every accepted soldier truly meets the quality, competency, and readiness standards required by the Army. On principle, the Army continues to support synergy with the Scout Movement in shaping young people of character. Going forward, the implementation of various forms of cooperation will be continuously coordinated with the National Quarter so that it is understood equally and does not cause differences in perception among the public.