Enviro News Asia, Washington, DC — Indonesia and the United States are strengthening military cooperation through joint exercises, professional education and defense equipment programmes, officials said during a ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, DC, on October 9, 2026.
The celebration brought together Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Indroyono Soesilo, Indonesian Defence Attaché Air Vice Marshal Yose Ridha, police and military representatives, diplomats, military families and members of Indonesian armed forces community organisations. The programme included a documentary on TNI’s 81-year history, a briefing by the defence attaché, the ambassador’s remarks, a ceremonial rice-cone cutting and prayers.
Yose highlighted TNI’s identity as a people’s army, a fighting force, a national military and a professional institution. The anniversary’s theme, “Strong TNI with the People, a Sovereign, Just and Prosperous Indonesia,” emphasised the relationship between military professionalism and public service.
He also outlined progress under the Indonesia–US Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP), signed on April 13, 2026. The partnership supports cooperation in military education, training and defence equipment procurement.
Indonesian officers have attended programmes at several US institutions, including the National Defense University, Naval War College in Rhode Island, Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Military Academy at West Point, Naval Academy in Annapolis and Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey.
Joint military activities cited during the briefing included Super Garuda Shield 2026, the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2026 in Hawaii, Cope West, the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo and Keris-MAREX, involving the Indonesian Navy’s Marine Corps and the US Marine Corps. Cooperation involving training for Indonesia’s Army Special Forces, known as Kopassus, was also on the agenda.
On defence procurement, Yose reported the arrival of the first batch of 12 AA M-35 amphibious combat vehicles for the Indonesian Navy’s Marine Corps, as part of a planned acquisition of 105 units. He also referred to plans involving Bell and Black Hawk helicopters, as well as the procurement of General Electric engines for CN-235 aircraft manufactured by Indonesian Aerospace, or PT Dirgantara Indonesia.
Ambassador Indroyono used the anniversary to reflect on TNI’s historical development during Indonesia’s struggle for independence. He recalled how former members of PETA, the KNIL, Heiho, Hizbullah forces and student military groups contributed to the formation of Indonesia’s armed forces.
He also highlighted the appointment of General Soedirman as commander-in-chief of the People’s Security Army on November 12, 1945, in Yogyakarta, as a key moment in consolidating the independence struggle.
Indroyono further recalled the March 1, 1949, General Offensive in Yogyakarta, which demonstrated the continued existence of the Indonesian Republic and its armed forces to the international community. The operation supported Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts at the United Nations and formed part of the wider struggle that led to the Round Table Conference in The Hague and Dutch recognition of Indonesian sovereignty in December 1949.
The ambassador also acknowledged TNI’s role in responding to armed rebellions and security challenges throughout the country’s history, as well as Indonesia’s contributions to international peacekeeping through the Garuda Contingent. Indonesia’s first Garuda mission was deployed to Egypt in 1957.
Indroyono expressed appreciation for the spouses and families of military personnel, recognising the sacrifices they make when service members undertake national duties, sometimes at the risk of their lives. Their support, he said, remains an important part of military service.
The Washington ceremony reaffirmed the importance of combining defence capabilities with professionalism, public trust and national commitment. As Indonesia continues to develop its defence partnerships, the anniversary served as an occasion to reflect on TNI’s historical legacy and its role in supporting national sovereignty, security and a peaceful future. (*)
