Bandung — President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto has appointed General Tandyo Budi as Deputy Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). He also installed six new Regional Military Command (Kodam) commanders, 20 brigade commanders, and 100 Territorial Development Battalions. On the same occasion, Prabowo presented the Bintang Sakti Medal of Honor to soldiers recognized for their exceptional integrity.

“Today I am appointing six new Kodam commanders, 20 new brigade commanders, and 100 new Territorial Development Battalions,” he said.

Prabowo emphasized that those chosen as commanders must lead from the front.

“I have appointed commanders — brigade commanders, battalion commanders. Those selected as leaders must lead from the front,” he stressed.

According to Prabowo, military leaders must serve as the first line of protection for their soldiers in dangerous situations.

“The TNI Commander, TNI force commanders, brigade commanders, battalion commanders must lead from the front — lead from within their troops, always be in the most dangerous place, always be where it is most critical,” he said.

He rejected the idea of commanders staying behind the lines.

“No troop commander leads from the rear. Leaders lead from the front. Leaders set the example. A leader is the best soldier,” he affirmed.

Prabowo urged military leaders to care for and train their troops as they would their own children.

“Take care of your troops as best as you can. Nurture your subordinates as if they were your own children. Lead them well, take care of them well, train them well, train them hard — but never with cruelty,” he said.

The president closed his remarks with a reminder of the TNI’s identity and mission.

“Always remember, we are the people’s army. We were born from the people. We are the children of the people. We serve the people, we defend the people, and we are ready to die for our people. That is the TNI,” Prabowo concluded.