Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Information Bureau at the Defense Ministry, confirmed that the Ministry and the TNI hosted a gathering with retired military officers at the Ministry building on Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, on Friday morning, April 24, 2026. The initiative aimed to strengthen communication between retired members and active soldiers.
"This is an effort to strengthen strategic communication between the active generation and the seniors who have made significant contributions to national defense," he said at the Ministry of Defense complex on Friday.
Earlier that morning, a group of former TNI Commanders had assembled at the ministry to attend the reception hosted by the Defense Minister for retired officers.
Rico explained that the event was also intended to ensure the continuity of strategic thinking across generations, ensuring that national defense policies remain rooted in a solid historical foundation. "It is also about remaining responsive to future challenges," he added.
He noted that the gathering provided a vital platform for conveying the latest developments regarding the trajectory of national defense policies, including future strategies for the development of the TNI's operational strength.
"At the same time, it allows us to listen to various constructive inputs and perspectives from retired members regarding an ever-evolving strategic environment," Rico said.
During the session, the Defense Ministry emphasized that Indonesia's defense policy remains firmly anchored in constitutional principles and national interests. He reiterated that the nation's active defense strategy is aimed at maintaining sovereignty without disrupting regional stability.
In addition, the meeting delved into various programs for strengthening the TNI's posture, covering organizational structure, modernization, and human resource development.
Among the high-profile attendees were former ABRI (now-TNI) Commander Wiranto, as well as retired generals Yudo Margono, Agus Suhartono, Andika Perkasa, and Gatot Nurmantyo.
The assembly also included Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago, alongside former Army Chief of Staff and Special Advisor to the President for National Defense, General Dudung Abdurachman.
Current military leadership was also represented by Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) Maruli Simanjuntak, Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali, and Air Force Chief of Staff Tonny Harjono. The meeting, which lasted approximately three hours, was conducted behind closed doors.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2100159/defense-ministry-explains-gathering-of-former-tni-commander