Former Indonesian Presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo appeared together at the 81st anniversary ceremony of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. The two leaders sat side-by-side at the guest tribune during the event held at Lapangan Prima Mabes TNI in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, according to Detikcom.
Prabowo Subianto leads TNI anniversary ceremonies
President Prabowo Subianto presided over the anniversary events, which began around 9:00 AM WIB, as reported by Antara News and Metro TV. Letjen TNI Lucky Avianto, the Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command (Pangkogabwilhan) III, served as the ceremony commander.
The guest list included Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, several ministers from the Red and White Cabinet, and heads of state institutions, including House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Puan Maharani and Regional Representative Council (DPD) Chair Sultan Bachtiar Najamuddin. National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto also attended the event, Detikcom reported.
President Prabowo inaugurates new military regional commands
President Prabowo was scheduled to inaugurate six new military regional commands (kodam) and confirm six kodam commanders. He was also set to grant honorary awards to certain TNI soldiers and units. Following the ceremony, the president was scheduled to watch a parade and defile of TNI main weapon systems, with a focus on new equipment.
The expansion includes several specific units across the different branches of the TNI:
- Army: 30 Territorial Development Infantry Brigades, 150 Territorial Development Infantry Battalions, and three Combat Support Battalions.
- Navy: One Marine Infantry Brigade and four Marine battalions.
- Air Force: One Division II of the Fast Reaction Force (Pasgat), one Pasgat brigade, three Pasgat battalions, one education squadron, two air squadrons, and two radar units.
Protocol and attire of former presidents
The presence of the 6th and 7th presidents was marked by specific attire and interactions. Detikcom noted that Yudhoyono wore a black suit with a red tie, a green beret with four stars, and a badge on his jacket. Joko Widodo wore a dark blue suit, a black tie, and a black peci (traditional cap).
While waiting for the ceremony to begin, the two former presidents were observed chatting while sitting next to one another, Detikcom reported.
TNI 81st Anniversary Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, October 5, 2026 |
| Location | Prima Field, TNI Headquarters, Cilangkap, East Jakarta |
| Presiding Officer | President Prabowo Subianto |
| Ceremony Commander | Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto |
Common questions about the TNI anniversary
Which new military units were created during the event?
The event included the inauguration of six new military regional commands, as well as various brigades and battalions across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Who attended the guest tribune alongside the current President?
Former Presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo sat together, joined by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and leaders of the DPR and DPD, as reported by Detikcom.
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