REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, KARANGANYAR -- Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto and the Army, Air Force, and Naval Chiefs of Staff visited General Suharto's grave at Giribangun District, Metesih District, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, Thursday. The visit intended to offer tribute.

The TNI commander along with his wife were accompanied by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mulyono, Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Yuyu Sutisna, Navy Chief of Staff Admiral TNI Siwi Sukma Adji, Kostrad Commander Lt. Gen. Andika Perkas, and his staff to the 2nd Presidential family funeral complex where a joint prayer ceremony was held immediately followed by a flower-sowing event.

According to TNI Commander Marshal Tjahjanto, the TNI members' visit to the funeral of Commander General Suharto in Giribangun Karanganyar, Central Java, was a tradition followed to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the TNI held annually.

"We, as the TNI soldiers, undertook a pilgrimage, starting on Wednesday (Sept 19), to the tombs of national figures, including to that of first Indonesian President Soekarno, KH Abdurraman Wahid (Gus Dur), and now to that of General Suharto in Giribangun Karanganyar," the commander stated.

TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto (left) visits Indonesian first President Soekarno tomb in Blitar, East Java, Wednesday (Sept 19).

The commander noted that such activities aim to inspire the current generation, including the millennials, to continue to respect and uphold the values instilled by the leaders to maintain the integrity of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia.

"We, as the next generation, continue to maintain the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia," the commander remarked.

Hence, the commander has vowed to always offer guidance to all TNI soldiers to eye one goal in accordance with what had been instilled by their predecessors, which is in accordance with the doctrine of Sapta Marga and the oath of the soldiers that must be held firmly.

"Sapta Marga and the Soldier's Oath are the breath of TNI soldiers, so that the people's aspirations can be fulfilled," the commander stated.

The commander noted that Soeharto was a great development figure, so he was bestowed with the title of great general. Soeharto certainly has built the foundation of noble values for the advancement of the TNI. This is acknowledged and upheld by all TNI soldiers on duty to continue to uphold the values instilled by Great General Suharto.

On the 73rd Anniversary of the TNI, the commander made an appeal in line with the motto that all soldiers of the TNI should be professional and proficient and utilize all abilities for the benefit of the people.

A simple ceremony will be held to mark this year's TNI anniversary. Since in line with tradition, every two years, a grand ceremony is organized that is then followed by a low-key one the following year.

This year's ceremony was held at four locations: Merauke, attended by the ceremony inspector, commander-in-chief, and all chiefs of staff; Sabang, attended by the TNI general staff; in Rote Island, commander of IX Udayana; and Miangas, commander of XIII independence.

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