MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya has emphasized that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, TNI), together with the people, constitute the key force in safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia. For this reason, he called for stronger synergy and solidarity between the TNI and the people as an essential component of national resilience.
Surya made the statement when he attended the ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the TNI on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the headquarters of the Regional Naval Command I (Kodaeral I) in Belawan, Jalan Serma Hanafiah Number 1, Belawan.
According to Surya, the TNI holds a strategic position in maintaining the country's defense and security. At the same time, public support is an inseparable component in strengthening national resilience. In his view, the close relationship between soldiers and the people must be continuously maintained through cooperation and a strong spirit of togetherness.
"The synergy between the TNI and the people must continue to be strengthened. This solidarity is an important factor in protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country,"
Surya said.
Recognition for the Soldiers' Dedication
On the occasion of the TNI's 81st anniversary,
Surya also expressed his appreciation for the commitment and dedication of all soldiers in carrying out their duties for the state. He emphasized that the TNI's contribution is not only evident in the performance of defense duties, but also through various activities directly connected to the lives of the people.
Surya explained that the TNI's involvement in various community activities is part of efforts to strengthen the bond between soldiers and the people. This close relationship is an important element in building strong national resilience.
"The North Sumatra Provincial Government congratulates the TNI on its 81st anniversary. We hope that the TNI will continue to be capable, united and professional, and always work together with the people to safeguard the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia," he said.
This year's 81st TNI anniversary carries the theme, "Strong TNI Together with the People, a Sovereign, Just and Prosperous Indonesia." The theme underscores the importance of a strong relationship between the TNI and the people in supporting defense duties and safeguarding the unity and territorial integrity of the nation.
RECOGNITION FOR THE TNI'S DEDICATION: North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya appreciates the commitment and dedication of TNI soldiers in carrying out their duties to safeguard national defense and in their involvement in various activities within the community. (PHOTO: Munawar Harahap)
TNI PRIMA as a Guideline for Service
In the address of TNI Commander General TNI Agus Subiyanto, which was read by the ceremony inspector and Commander of
Kodaeral I Belawan, Rear Admiral TNI Deny Septiana, it was emphasized that the theme of the TNI's 81st anniversary also reflects the importance of synergy among the TNI, the government and all elements of society.
Such synergy is necessary to maintain national stability while supporting national development. The TNI also called on all soldiers to make TNI PRIMA a culture and guiding principle in their service to the nation and state.
TNI PRIMA encompasses five core principles: professionalism, responsiveness, integration, modernity and adaptability. These five values form the foundation for soldiers to continuously improve their capabilities and carry out their duties in accordance with the demands of a changing strategic environment.
The principle of professionalism underscores the importance of soldiers' ability to carry out their responsibilities properly. Responsiveness requires soldiers to recognize various changes and challenges and respond to them appropriately.
The value of integration places synergy with all elements of the nation at the center of duty performance. The principle of modernity requires the TNI to master and utilize developments in defense technology, while adaptability requires soldiers to continuously develop innovations in response to various challenges.
The TNI Commander called on all soldiers to consistently implement these five principles. PRIMA, therefore, should not remain merely a slogan, but serve as a guide for developing the TNI's capabilities in terms of mindset, conduct and actions.
IMPLEMENTATION OF
TNI PRIMA:
Kodaeral I Belawan Commander Rear Admiral TNI Deny Septiana refers to the address of the TNI Commander, which highlights the implementation of
TNI PRIMA as a service culture for soldiers. (PHOTO: Munawar Harahap)
Traditional Tumpeng Ceremony with Youngest Soldiers
The 81st TNI anniversary celebration at the
Kodaeral I Belawan headquarters also featured the traditional cutting of a Tumpeng rice dish and a birthday cake. The tradition was part of the anniversary celebration and served as a symbol of solidarity on the occasion of the TNI's anniversary.
Pieces of the Tumpeng rice dish and birthday cake were then presented to three of the youngest soldiers representing the TNI's three branches: the Indonesian Army, the Indonesian Navy and the Indonesian Air Force.
The symbolic act also highlighted the spirit of cooperation among the three branches in carrying out their duties to protect the country's defense and sovereignty. The 81st TNI anniversary also provided an opportunity to strengthen the commitment of all elements of the nation to maintaining the unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia.
The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the North Sumatra Provincial Government, members of the TNI, the Indonesian National Police and the prosecution service, executives of state-owned and regional-owned enterprises, regents and mayors, youth organizations, as well as religious leaders.
The presence of these various government and community groups demonstrates broad support for the TNI's role in safeguarding national defense and building synergy with the government and the people. Cross-sectoral cooperation is an important element in ensuring that national resilience remains strong amid constantly changing dynamics and challenges.
The 81st anniversary of the TNI once again reaffirmed the spirit of "Strong TNI Together with the People, a Sovereign, Just and Prosperous Indonesia" as a foundation for strengthening the relationship between the TNI and the people. This synergy is expected to be maintained in carrying out defense duties, supporting national development and conducting various activities that benefit the public. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala