Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous nation and a critical Indo-Pacific partner, observed its military’s 80th anniversary on October 5, 2025. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia or TNI), which has more than 400,000 personnel, formed two months after the nation declared its independence following World War II.
“A big nation like us needs a strong military,” Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, a former general who previously served as defense minister, said in August 2025. “No nation can be independent without having a strong military.”
Events commemorating the milestone anniversary began in August and included a TNI defense equipment exhibition and a 51-vessel naval parade. Meanwhile, 15 nations participated in the 2025 Military Attache Tour to Yogyakarta and Magelang in Central Java. TNI officials host the annual event to strengthen defense cooperation and showcase Indonesian culture.
The anniversary celebration culminated with an event at the National Monument (Monas Square) in Jakarta. Air Force, Army and Navy personnel, along with reserves, conducted combat simulations and displayed weapons and equipment, including fighter jets and tanks.
The TNI traces its roots to local militia forces established during Imperial Japan’s occupation of the then-Dutch East Indies in the early 1940s. The troops evolved into the People’s Security Army and, in 1947, the TNI. The increasingly unified and structured force initially fended off Indonesia’s colonial Dutch rulers and quelled internal unrest. It merged with the nation’s police forces and assumed domestic security duties until 1998, when the government separated internal policing and conventional military duties.
Since taking office in October 2024, Prabowo has expanded the military’s mission into traditionally civilian roles, establishing 100 noncombatant battalions to bolster sectors including agriculture and food security, the United Kingdom-based newspaper The Guardian reported in August 2025.
FORUM, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, has chronicled Indonesia’s growing stature in regional defense and security partnerships:
- The nation recently expanded its strategic reserve component to incorporate civil servants and government contract workers into military training.
- Indonesia marked the 80th anniversary of its Constitution in August 2025 amid growing security cooperation with Australia, the United States, and other Allies and Partners.
- The Indonesia-U.S. exercise Super Garuda Shield, held in Indonesia, had unprecedented multinational scope in 2025.
- Indonesia and the U.S. are deepening defense cooperation, enhancing their commitment to Indo-Pacific security.
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