Marine Corps Ghillie Suit Steals the Spotlight Among Children at TNI Fair 2026: "I Want to Be a Soldier"

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Several children appeared enthusiastic as they took photos with Navy Marine Corps soldiers at the TNI Fair 2026 held at Monas, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (19/9/2026).

Under a large tent bearing the inscription "Navy Marine Corps, Patriots of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, Guardians of Democracy for an Advanced Indonesia," children took turns approaching the on-duty soldiers.

Some simply stood beside the soldiers for pictures.

Others were seen holding replica long-barreled firearms while capturing the moment with their parents.

The booth area was designed to resemble an operational field.

Synthetic grass, camouflage nets, rocks, and various equipment and military hardware surrounded the space.

The Marine soldiers on duty wore a variety of combat gear.

Some were dressed in camouflage uniforms with tactical vests, while others wore night vision goggles.

A soldier wearing a leaf-patterned ghillie suit also caught visitors’ attention.

The outfit covered the body to the extent that the wearer appeared to blend seamlessly into the environment.

Akbar (30) came with his child, Arsyaf (10). He said he deliberately brought his son to the TNI Fair so that he could see firsthand the equipment that had only been viewed on screens until now.

“So he can also know what TNI equipment looks like. And also for a little outing,” Akbar said during an interview.

According to Akbar, his son became even more enthusiastic when he saw the Marine soldiers up close.

“Yes, he’s been the one asking to take pictures all this time,” he added.

Arsyaf expressed happiness at being able to take photos with the soldiers.