Flyby of 5 Sukhoi Fighters Features TNI Anniversary

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono led a ceremony to mark the 66th anniversary of Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) at Cilangkap Headquarters, East Jakarta, on Wednesday.

As the inspector of ceremony, the head of state was flanked by TNI Chief Admiral Agus Suhartono, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Pramono Edhie Wibowo, Navy Chief of Staf Admiral Soeparno, and Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Imam Sufaat.

Also present on the occasion were Vice President Boediono, National Police Chief Gen Timur Pradopo, a number of cabinet ministers, House of Representatives Speaker Marzuki Alie, People’s Consultative Assembly chairman Taufik Kiemas, and several representatives of friendly countries.

The memorial ceremony was led by Colonel Sugiharto Prapto who serves as Wing Commander of Carbolic Air Force Academy (AAU). The ceremony also displayed a series of weaponry and equipment, and featured performances such as parachuting and martial arts, flyby of five Sukhoi fighter jets and a Hawk fighter jet.

This year’s ceremony to mark the 66th anniversary of TNI is themed, "With Integrity and Professionalism, TNI with National Components are Ready to Maintain and Uphold the Sovereignty and Integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI)."