VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Every October 5 is commemorated as the birthday of the Indonesian National Military (TNI). Since its establishment on October 5, 1945, the TNI has undergone many organizational developments and improvements in carrying out its role in maintaining national security and defense.

Before Indonesia's independence, there was a military institution formed by the Dutch East Indies colonial government, consisting of indigenous soldiers. It was known as the Koninklijke Nederlands (ch) -Indische Leger (KNIL) or the Dutch East Indies royal army. Then after the Dutch lost to Japan in World War II, there were also PETA soldiers (The Homeland Defenders) formed by the Japanese government to fight the allies at that time. All of this became the forerunner to the formation of the Indonesian National Military with various names during the war for independence until now.

Besides being tasked with maintaining security and order of the people and the Indonesian state, The Indonesian National Military amid the COVID-19 pandemic like today also supports the government's efforts in handling Covid-19.

The role of the TNI in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic was emphasized by Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR),  Bambang Soesatyo on Sunday (4/10). He said that the commemoration of the Anniversary of the TNI was also a momentum to show its major role in breaking the chain of Covid-19 transmission. He perceived that  the TNI as an element of the nation's strength is obliged to take part in the process of solving this problem.

The TNI was involved long before the Covid-19 was decided to become a pandemic. For example, the personnel of the TNI evacuated Indonesian citizens from Wuhan, China, and set up quarantine on Galang Island. When President Joko Widodo declared Covid-19 as a pandemic, a task force was formed and this was also filled by the Regional Governments, the interrelated Ministries and other stakeholders.

Of course, the Indonesian National Military –TNI is not alone in carrying out its role in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Synergy and strong cooperation between government agencies and the community is needed so that the spread of the Covid-19 virus and the number of positive cases in Indonesia can be reduced.