JAKARTA: Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has said that retired officers of the National Defense Forces (TNI) must continue to contribute to the country and the nation.
“I support retired officers seeking to participate in the economic sector because the economy will be the support of the national defense. The old soldier never dies, but for Indonesia, they never fade away,” Subianto remarked at the “National Gathering of the National Retired Army Association (PPAD) 2022” at Sentul International Convention Center, Bogor, West Java.
He said that all residents, including retired army officers, must work to ensure that Indonesia’s progress is on the right track.
“Regarding our nation’s future, we must be optimistic that we are on the right track. Indonesia will be a great country. Hence, we need to protect Indonesia,” Subianto added, according to a press statement.
The government is committed to improving retired officers’ welfare, including by reforming the military and police officers’ insurance company PT ASABRI, the minister emphasised.
“I want to inform that ASABRI has been reformed. ASABRI is now recovering, and we will improve all other aspects for you to enjoy. The President earlier said that he is also committed to improving (the company),” Subianto said.
He also affirmed that the development strategies conceived by past national leaders were correct, and the current government is committed to accelerating national development.
The national gathering was organised to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the PPAD. Government ministers and at least eight thousand army retirees participated in the event. Indonesian Army Chief of Staff, General Dudung Abdurrahman, was also invited to speak at the event.
