President Prabowo warns 1,177 new military and police officers against corruption

President Prabowo warns 1,177 new military and police officers against corruption

President Prabowo Subianto issued a forceful warning against corruption and misconduct to 1,177 newly commissioned military and police officers during a ceremony at the Merdeka Palace on Wednesday, emphasizing that their primary duty is to serve and protect Indonesian citizens.

Speaking at the 2026 Prasetya Perwira commissioning ceremony, the President told the graduates that integrity forms the foundation of their honor as officers.

"Never abuse your authority. Never be tempted by corruption or misconduct. Never compromise with drugs, gambling, or any other violation of the law."

Ceremony details and attendees

The ceremony, formalized through Presidential Decree Number 69 TNI Year 2026 and Number 70 Polri Year 2026, inducted 512 Army cadets, 229 Navy cadets, 154 Air Force cadets, and 282 Police cadets into the officer ranks. Presidential Military Secretary Major General Wahyu Yudhayana read the official decrees at the palace grounds, a site that has served as the venue for state ceremonies since 1950.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka attended the ceremony alongside members of the Merah Putih Cabinet, senior military chiefs, and top police officials, underscoring the national significance of the event.

Emphasis on public service

President Prabowo, who was inaugurated as Indonesia's eighth president on October 20, 2024, reminded the new officers that their positions are funded directly by taxpayers.

"Always remember that you come from the people and were educated with the people's money. The uniform you wear belongs to the people. Your salary comes from the people."

Recognition of excellence

The graduates completed rigorous training programs, with police cadets undergoing four years of education before receiving the rank of Police Inspector 2nd Class, equivalent to Second Lieutenant in the military. The ceremony recognized excellence among the cadets, with four officers receiving the prestigious Adhi Makayasa award for outstanding academic and leadership achievements.

President Prabowo personally pinned rank insignia on the award recipients: 2nd Lieutenant Calvin Tidar Sakti from the Army, 2nd Lieutenant Muhammad Rizqi Wira Utama Baihaqi Putra from the Navy, 2nd Lieutenant Yehezkiel Bonaventura Yudaniarman from the Air Force, and Police 2nd Inspector Harindra Arsandho Tegarbaja.

The President stressed that the public expects officers to demonstrate honesty, fairness, and responsiveness when citizens need assistance. His message comes as Indonesia's military continues to handle internal disciplinary matters through its own justice system, with the Military Police Center and military audit offices maintaining jurisdiction over cases involving service members.

The commissioning ceremony marks the latest cohort of graduates from Indonesia's military academies, institutions with deep historical roots. The Indonesian Military Academy, formally established on November 11, 1957, in Magelang, Central Java, has produced all Indonesian Army Chiefs of Staff since 1988, demonstrating the enduring significance of military education in the nation's defense structure.