"Excited by So Many Combat Vehicles" Children Ride Tanks at TNI Fair 2026

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Several families spent their weekend visiting the main weapon system (alutsista) exhibition at TNI Fair 2026 held in the Monas area, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (19/9/2026).

In the open space with the Monas Monument as the backdrop, visitors strolled alongside rows of combat vehicles, missiles, weapons, and equipment used by TNI units.

The partly cloudy weather brightened the atmosphere, attracting a lively crowd. Many families came with their children.

Some children showed great enthusiasm as they were given the chance to closely observe combat vehicles and even pose for photos on the displayed vehicles.

White tents and standing banners featuring information about the alutsista were lined along the exhibition path.

One visitor, Idris (38), said he deliberately brought his child to the TNI Fair to show him the alutsista firsthand.

"I brought my child here because usually he only sees combat vehicles on the internet. Now he can see the real thing up close," Idris said when met at the venue.

According to Idris, his child was quite curious when viewing the vehicles and weapons on display.

"He's been asking a lot of questions, especially when seeing the big vehicles and wondering what they are used for," he added.

Similarly, Nola (35) came with her son, Rifky (10).

For Nola, the visit was more than just a family outing.

She wanted to use the exhibition as an opportunity to introduce her child to the various TNI equipment he had only previously seen on television or the internet.

"It’s also a chance to take a stroll with my child. Since there's a TNI exhibition, I thought it would be great for him to see everything directly," Nola said.

Rifky looked fascinated observing the large vehicles at the exhibition area.

He also paid close attention to several vehicles equipped with weaponry.

"I’m happy because there are so many combat vehicles. My favorite are the big ones that have weapons," Rifky said.

He admitted that the experience of seeing the alutsista directly was very different from watching on a screen.

"Usually I only see them on my phone, but now I can see them in person and take photos," he added.

Other children could also be seen taking photos with their parents near the combat vehicles.

Some even climbed onto parts of the vehicles that were open to visitors.

TNI soldiers and Marine Corps personnel stationed around the area helped manage visitors and also assisted with photo requests.

Various types of alutsista were displayed at TNI Fair 2026.

Among them were the Aster 15 and VL MICA surface-to-air missiles, manufactured by MBDA, France.

Both missiles were showcased atop launchers.

Next to them were banners detailing technical specifications such as range, speed, and warhead weight.

Not far from this spot stood the BTR-4 armored vehicle made in Ukraine, belonging to the 1st Marine Cavalry Regiment.

Informational panels surrounding the vehicle noted the BTR-4’s operational range of up to 690 kilometers, a top speed of 110 kilometers per hour, and weight between 18-26 tons.

The vehicle's large size attracted visitors who paused to examine its exterior and capture photos.

The exhibition also featured equipment used for maritime operations.

One example is the Sealcarrier belonging to the Frogman Command (Kopaska), made by PT M.S.T. Industri, United Kingdom, in 2017.

This unit can accommodate six personnel.

In addition, there was the MK32 SVTT (Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes) launcher from the United States, used by several Indonesian naval ships such as KRI Ahmad Yani-351 and KRI Yos Sudarso-353.

A Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) was also on display, fully equipped with Garmin navigation devices and machine guns.

There was also a tactical vehicle with an open top fitted with heavy machine gun mounts.

In the distance, a military helicopter could be seen parked within the exhibition area.

TNI Fair 2026 is held at Silang Monas from 19 to 20 September 2026.

This event is part of the series of commemorations for the 81st anniversary of TNI, with the main celebration planned for 5 October 2026.

The TNI Fair runs daily from 08:00 to 21:00 WIB.

The program includes exhibitions of alutsista and non-alutsista, Military Technology Expos, TNI recruitment information, entertainment stages, and soldier attractions.