KRI Garibaldi and Five New Regional Commands to Highlight 81st TNI Anniversary

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) are preparing several major events to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the TNI, with the main celebrations taking place at the National Monument (Monas) area in Jakarta on Monday (10/5/2026).

This year's commemoration will feature a parade involving tens of thousands of personnel and hundreds of military equipments, a naval parade with 102 warships participating, as well as a display of the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, recently received by Indonesia from Italy.

Additionally, the TNI plans to inaugurate five new regional military commands (Kodam) during the peak anniversary celebration.

Involving 51,000 Personnel

TNI spokesperson Major General Muhammad Nas stated that the main 81st anniversary event will begin with a ceremony led by President Prabowo Subianto as the inspecting officer.

“The peak of the TNI 81st anniversary on October 5, 2026 at Monas will start with a ceremony led by the President of Indonesia as the inspecting officer,” Nas said in a statement from the TNI Public Relations Center on Tuesday (9/15/2026).

Following the ceremony, the program will continue with a parade and troop march-past, as well as displays of military equipment.

Nas added that more than 51,000 personnel and over 900 pieces of military equipment will be deployed in the parade and march-past.

Besides troops and equipment, the parade will also feature horses and K-9 units.

“All of this is conducted as a show of force to demonstrate TNI's capabilities, strength, and professionalism, ready to defend the country,” Nas said.

Naval Parade Participation

A day before the main event, the TNI will hold a naval parade or sailing pass in the waters of Jakarta Bay on Sunday (10/4/2026).

A total of 102 Republic of Indonesia warships (KRI) are scheduled to participate in the parade.

One of the vessels featured will be the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, a donation from the Italian government.

“During the naval parade, the aircraft carrier currently named Garibaldi — a grant from the Italian government that was received yesterday — will also be showcased during the sailing pass,” Nas said when met at the Monas Cross Field, Jakarta, on Saturday (9/19/2026).

In addition to Garibaldi, the TNI will also display several other military equipment, including Rafale fighter jets.

“Including aircraft, such as Rafale and others, will be part of the display,” Nas added.

The Garibaldi previously arrived in Indonesia and docked at Pier 107 Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, on Friday (9/18/2026).

The ship, hull number 551, will be renamed KRI Sriwijaya once officially incorporated into the Indonesian Navy.

The renaming and reflagging ceremony is scheduled for September 24, 2026.

Inauguration of 5 New Regional Commands

The 81st TNI anniversary will also mark the addition of five new Kodam.

TNI spokesperson Major General Muhammad Nas confirmed the plan to inaugurate the five new Kodam coinciding with the peak anniversary event on October 5, 2026.

“That is the plan,” Nas said.

Meanwhile, Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak revealed the five new Kodam will be located in Central Papua, Yogyakarta Special Region, East Nusa Tenggara, North Maluku, and the Riau Islands.

“There will be five new ones in Flores, Jogja, Malut, and what else? NTT. NTT, Malut, Jogja, Riau Islands,” Maruli stated.

According to Maruli, the establishment of the new Kodam is part of the restructuring of the Indonesian Army organization.

“Regarding the Kodam, their main task is territorial. The assignments differ,” he explained.

In wartime emergencies, Kodam has broader functions, including leading the people's total resistance.

Basic Food Package Distribution

Prior to the peak celebrations, the TNI will also hold a TNI Fair at the Monas area on September 19-20, 2026.

The public can view various military equipment and non-military gear, military technology exhibitions, TNI recruitment information, and soldier performances.

The TNI Fair will run from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM WIB.

The event will also feature health services and an antique vehicle community exhibition.

For social activities, the TNI is preparing to distribute 15,000 basic food packages and 30,000 free meals during the TNI Fair.

Meanwhile, at the main 81st TNI anniversary event, 40,000 basic food packages and 40,000 free meal portions will be distributed to the public.

All these events are organized to welcome the peak celebration of the TNI’s 81st anniversary, set to be held at Monas on October 5, 2026.