Tazeen Akhtar
Pictures : Raja Ghulam Fareed for Pakistan in the World
Indonesia celebrated 79th anniversary of the Indonesian Armed Forces in Islamabad on 09 Oct 2024, with a determination that the Indonesian forces with the support and solidarity of their people will leave no stone unturned to safeguard their homeland. The event highlighted the close relations and cooperation between the armed forces of two countries. Senior most officials from Pakistan expressed their views on mutual ties and wished to further strengthen them.
The Indonesian National Armed Forces Day (Hari Tentara Nasional Indonesia, formerly Hari Angkatan Perang RI/Angkatan Bersenjata RI) abbreviated HUT TNI is a national day of Indonesia that is celebrated on 5 October, the day of foundation of the Tentara Keamanan Rakyat (People’s Security Armed Forces), the predecessor of the TNI, in 1945, itself a replacement for the Badan Keamanan Rakyat (People’s Security Bureau) established on 29 August the same year.
Military parades, fun games, concerts and other events are held nationwide in major cities and provincial capitals in honor of the INAF’s serving men and women and military veterans.
Acting Charge d Affaires , Mr. Ferry J. Murdiansyah and Col Budi Wiman, Defense Attache hosted a reception to mark the day and pay homage to the brave soldiers of motherland. Pakistan was represented here with the officials from all three wings present at the occasion. Air Marshal Shakil Ghazanfar was the chief guest.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee , Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza congratulated the military command and people of Indonesia through a recorded message that was screened during the reception. He hailed the valiant sons of the soil, expressed his best wishes and shed light on bilateral cooperation in defense sector.
Defense Attaches of ASEAN and other countries graced the event with their attendance. Their Dean Abu Rubail Mohammad Shahab Ud Din was also present. High Commissioners of Malaysia, Brunei, Myanmar, DHM Thailand also participated.
Acting CdA, Mr. Ferry J. Murdiansyah, in his welcome address said ,the Indonesian armed forces have contributed significantly to protecting the sovereignty and stability of the country. Indonesian army united the nation and successfully addressed current conventional and non-conventional challenges. He emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to protecting sovereignty, stability, and contributing to world peace.
He said Indonesian-Pakistani ties can be traced back to anti-colonial efforts under leaders like President Sukarno and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Indonesian Armed Forces have played a significant role in developing strong military cooperation between Indonesia and Pakistan.
Here it is worth mentioning that , this scribe visited Indonesia in Oct 2024 and traveled to Bandung city where Indonesia and Pakistan joined hands to end colonialism from the World. One can still find the history on display at the historical hall where this conference gathered Asian and African leaders to support the freedom movements in the occupied countries.
Col Budi Wiman, Defense Attache, in his address, cherished his memories of living in Islamabad. He shared about the completion of his tenure in Islamabad but said he would never forget his sweet memories of this beautiful city of hospitable people. He expressed his gratitude to DG, ISI, General Headquarters of Pakistan Army and Gov of Pakistan for their cooperation in performance of his duty in Pakistan.
The participants observed silence in honor of the souls of the martyrs of Indonesian armed forces. National anthems of both countries were played on Indonesian traditional instruments. The students and families of the Indonesian diplomats and diaspora , dressed in cultural dresses won the hearts with their enthralling presentation of diverse cultural shows at the stage.
Indonesian dishes were served to the taste of the guests that were found mouth watering and giving rise to their appetite. They highly admired the dishes and praised the organizers for their beautiful arrangements of the event at the residence of the Defense Attache.
Pakistan in the World – OCT/NOV 2023
