Latest news with #IndonesianNationalArmedForces
Barnama
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Indonesia, France To Sign Defence Deal During Macron's Visit
By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar JAKARTA, May 28 (Bernama) -- Indonesia and France seek to deepen their strategic defence ties with the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Jakarta on Wednesday, officials said. The agreement aims to expand cooperation in defence, particularly in the area of strategic weapons systems, Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said in a statement after welcoming Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron. bootstrap slideshow 'We will be enhancing defence cooperation, especially in relation to strategic defence equipment,' Sjafrie said. As part of his three-day visit ending on Thursday, Macron is scheduled to travel to the Military Academy in Magelang, Central Java, where he will inspect French language training facilities for Indonesian military personnel. 'He will visit the French language laboratory used by soldiers, officers, and non-commissioned officers of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). Many of them are already fluent,' Sjafrie added. Macron's aircraft touched down in Jakarta at around 10 am local time on Tuesday and was received with a ceremonial welcome. His visit marks a renewed effort to boost bilateral ties across key strategic sectors, with defence high on the agenda. -- BERNAMA
South China Morning Post
27-03-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Indonesia military law protests signal deep fears of democratic erosion under Prabowo
Nationwide protests have erupted across Indonesia in response to parliament's approval of a revised military law that broadens the armed forces' role in civilian institutions, with students and rights groups warning of democratic backsliding. Advertisement The revision's swift passage has been widely viewed as a sign of President Prabowo Subianto 's political dominance, with critics saying it reflects his intent to reassert the military's role in civilian life and roll back reforms that once separated defence from governance. Protesters took to the streets in cities across Indonesia – from Jakarta to Aceh and South Kalimantan – after parliament, dominated by Prabowo's ruling coalition, passed the contentious amendment on Thursday. In Jakarta, police fired tear gas and water cannons as thousands of protesters attempted to storm the parliament building on Friday. The situation continued to escalate on Monday, with clashes breaking out between demonstrators and police in front of a government building in Surabaya, East Java. Around 1,000 students and activists had been protesting the amended bill, holding signs that read: 'Reject the Military Law' and 'The Military Should Return to the Barracks,' according to an Agence France-Presse report. Indonesian students display posters with a tweet of President Prabowo Subianto reading 'rallies are part of democracy guaranteed by law' during a protest against a revision to the armed forces law in Surabaya on Tuesday. Photo: AFP Parliament fast-tracked the amendment of the 2004 law governing the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). The move was driven by aides close to Prabowo, who is a retired army general and the country's former defence minister.
South China Morning Post
17-03-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Indonesia's military once called all the shots. It may again under Prabowo
Indonesian rights groups have decried proposed revisions to a military law that could pave the way for active-duty military personnel to hold more civilian posts and engage in business activities, a haunting hallmark of dictator Suharto's New Order era. Advertisement Rights and pro-democracy activists fear the practice, referred to as military dual-function or dwifungsi, could potentially return as lawmakers are pushing to revise a 2004 law on the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). Under Suharto's 32-year rule, the military permeated national politics, as well as domestic affairs, as it helped Suharto cling to power and maintain order during various crises. Military chief General Agus Subiyanto has said the current law is 'outdated' as it has not been amended for more than 20 years. The 2004 military law 'is considered no longer relevant' to address various problems 'in implementing the fundamental norms of state policies and political decisions', Agus said at a meeting with the House of Representatives on Thursday. Advertisement The revision bill was included by lawmakers in this year's legislative priority bills. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin had earlier last week revealed the government's focus on the legal amendment, including an article that restricts military personnel from holding civilian posts.
Voice of America
26-01-2025
- Politics
- Voice of America
India celebrates Republic Day with Indonesian president observing
India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on Sunday with a colorful parade displaying its military might and cultural diversity on a boulevard in the heart of country's capital. Indonesian president was the guest of honor. Tens of thousands of people lined the road on a cold Sunday morning to watch the long parade to mark the anniversary of the official adoption of India's Constitution on Jan. 26, 1950, nearly three years after independence from British colonial rule. Soldiers from India's military and paramilitary, along with their bands, marched as the country's leaders and other guests watched. Various floats displayed India's cultural diversity with one showcasing the Maha Kumbh festival, the ongoing massive Hindu festival touted as the world's largest religious gathering. The parade took place on Rajpath Avenue, built by India's former British rulers and lined by huge lawns, canals and rows of trees. The avenue was redeveloped as part of the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Indian independence and renamed Kartavayapath, or the Boulevard of Duty, in 2022. Visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended the event as the chief guest and was flanked by India's president and prime minister. A 342-member band and marching contingent from the Indonesian National Armed Forces joined the parade, the first time the ASEAN country's troops have joined any foreign parade. India traditionally invites foreign leaders to witness the spectacle. French President Emmanuel Macron was the guest of honor last year and former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015. Ten Southeast Asian leaders watched the parade in 2018. Sukarno, Indonesia's first president and the leader of the country's independence struggle, was the chief guest at India's first Republic Day celebration in 1950. Thousands of men and women in colorful costumes played marches, performed traditional dances and pulled motorbike stunts during the 90-minute parade. It also showcased India's domestically built defense equipment and military systems, including tanks, infantry combat vehicles, radar systems and missile systems. Some 5,000 artists, carrying traditional props like spears, swords and drums, performed over 40 dance forms from different parts of India in a cultural performance that lasted about 10 minutes. The parade ended with a fly-past by air force fighters, including Rafale jets, transport planes and helicopters. The parade was broadcast live by television networks. Republic Day parades also took place in state capitals and other cities across India amid massive security arrangements. In Srinagar, the main city of disputed Kashmir, armed police and soldiers patrolled as regional officials celebrated Republic Day. Hundreds of people braved winter chills to witness the parade amid additional security, with police and soldiers checking vehicles and frisking pedestrians. India and Pakistan each administer a part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety. Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhi's rule since 1989.
Gulf Today
26-01-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
India celebrates Republic Day with Indonesian president as chief guest
India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on Sunday with a colorful parade displaying its military might and cultural diversity on a boulevard in the heart of country's capital. Indonesian president was the guest of honour. Tens of thousands of people lined the road on a cold Sunday morning to watch the long parade to mark the anniversary of the official adoption of India's Constitution on Jan. 26, 1950, nearly three years after independence from British colonial rule. Soldiers from India's military and paramilitary, along with their bands, marched as the country's leaders and other guests watched. Various floats displayed India's cultural diversity with one showcasing the Maha Kumbh festival, the ongoing massive Hindu festival touted as the world's largest religious gathering. The parade took place on Rajpath Avenue, built by India's former British rulers and lined by huge lawns, canals and rows of trees. The avenue was redeveloped as part of the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Indian independence and renamed Kartavayapath, or the Boulevard of Duty, in 2022. Visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended the event as the chief guest and was flanked by India's president and prime minister. A 342-member band and marching contingent from the Indonesian National Armed Forces joined the parade, the first time the ASEAN country's troops have joined any foreign parade. India traditionally invites foreign leaders to witness the spectacle. French President Emmanuel Macron was the guest of honor last year and former US President Barack Obama in 2015. Ten Southeast Asian leaders watched the parade in 2018. Sukarno, Indonesia's first president and the leader of the country's independence struggle, was the chief guest at India's first Republic Day celebration in 1950. Thousands of men and women in colorful costumes played marches, performed traditional dances and pulled motorbike stunts during the 90-minute parade. It also showcased India's domestically built defense equipment and military systems, including tanks, infantry combat vehicles, radar systems and missile systems. Some 5,000 artists, carrying traditional props like spears, swords and drums, performed over 40 dance forms from different parts of India in a cultural performance that lasted about 10 minutes. The parade ended with a fly-past by air force fighters, including Rafale jets, transport planes and helicopters. The parade was broadcast live by television networks. Republic Day parades also took place in state capitals and other cities across India amid massive security arrangements. In Srinagar armed police and soldiers patrolled as regional officials celebrated Republic Day. Hundreds of people braved winter chills to witness the parade amid additional security, with police and soldiers checking vehicles and frisking pedestrians. Agence France-Presse
