VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Today October 5, 2021, The Indonesian Armed Forces –TNI commemorates its 76th anniversary. A lot of challenges and successes have been passed by the TNI. This year, Indonesia's military strength is ranked 16th in the world based on Global Firepower data. The TNI's capabilities have also long been recognized by the world. Indonesia regularly takes part in the United Nations peacekeeping force in conflict countries. Domestically, the TNI along with elements from other countries has been working hard to help the community face the Covid-19 pandemic. The TNI has played a major role from the establishment of Covid-19 hospitals to vaccination programs throughout Indonesia. In such a situation, the TNI has succeeded in growing people's trust as an institution that protects them.

At the age of 76, the TNI continues to modernize its defense equipment according to the demands of the times. However, Indonesia still adheres to the agreement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations -ASEAN, which is to maintain the ASEAN region as a nuclear-weapon-free area. But, the principle appears to be facing challenges nowadays. Mid last month, the United States, Britain and Australia formed the Australia, UK and US -AUKUS defense pact. The pact includes elements of cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, underwater capabilities and nuclear technology. Under the AUKUS agreement, Australia will receive assistance from the United States and Britain to develop nuclear-powered submarines.

The formation of this pact surprises countries in the ASEAN region, because this pact is regarded as not in line with nuclear non-proliferation commitments or promises not to make or deploy nuclear weapons. Of course, Indonesia is worried about this development. Moreover, this pact was formed by three major countries. Indonesia Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi said that AUKUS could trigger tensions between major countries. Indonesia does not want the possibility of an increased arms race that could threaten regional security stability.

Meanwhile, there will soon be a change in the TNI Commander. Chief of TNI, Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto will soon get retired. The issue of possible tensions in the region is expected to be the attention of the new TNI Chief. The attitude of the TNI Chief towards the development of regional security is quite essential to maintain the integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia.

Happy 76th Anniversary of the TNI! Hopefully, the TNI will remain victorious and be able to maintain security both at home and in the region.