TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Armed Forces (TNI) commander General Gatot Nurmantyo today visited the grave of Indonesia’s second president Soeharto at Astana Giri Bangun, Karanganyar ahead of the upcoming 72nd military birthday on October 5.
Also present were the TNI chief of staff, military district commander and regional TNI members. A military ceremony and prayers were held at the cemetery.
According to Gatot, they have recently been visiting graves of former presidents. “Yesterday, we visited the graves of Bung Karno and Gus Dur,” he said.
He added that the aim is to reflect on the struggle of the former presidents.
The grandson of Soeharto, Ari Sigit, represented the family to welcome the entourage of the TNI commander General Gatot Nurmantyo. “We expect such a visit to become a routine activity ahead of the TNI’s birthday,” he said.
AHMAD RAFIQ