"The soldiers of the Republic of Indonesia will rise and fall with the nation." – General Sudirman

Opinion by: Lieutenant General TNI Mohamad Hasan, Commander of Army TRADOC

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is an institution born from the spirit of Indonesia's fight for independence. To this day, TNI remains the nation’s principal defense force, playing a central role in safeguarding Indonesia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security.

More than just an armed force, TNI is the embodiment of the people’s strength transformed into a bulwark of national defense. Throughout its journey, the TNI has upheld noble values that shape its identity as the People’s Army, the Warrior Army, the National Army, and the Professional Army. This identity is not merely a formal symbol, but a moral foundation that guides every TNI soldier in thought and action.

These four aspects of TNI identity reflect the institution’s steadfast commitment to the nation’s interests. As the People’s Army, TNI originates from and is embedded in the fabric of society. As the Warrior Army, it inherits the spirit of sacrifice from the nation's founding fathers. As the National Army, it stands above all groups and upholds political neutrality. Lastly, as part of the Professional Army, TNI continuously hones its competence, discipline, and integrity to meet the demands of the times.

Yet, how can this identity remain deeply rooted in soldiers who come and go due to age-based retirement limits? As millennials and Gen Z increasingly fill the ranks of the TNI, can these values still be fully understood and applied? Furthermore, are retired personnel still obligated to uphold the TNI’s identity as an enduring part of their character?

The Young Generation of TNI: Millennials and Gen Z

Regeneration is inevitable in any organization, including TNI. As retirement regulations take effect and times evolve, the personnel manning the TNI continue to change. Today, the roles of junior officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted personnel are filled by millennials and Gen Z, who were born in the early 2000s and possess characteristics distinct from previous generations.

Nevertheless, the TNI remains known as a strong, solid, and loyal institution, largely because it has always adhered to an inherited identity that is expected to persist as a defining trait across generations.

Concerns have emerged alongside the influx of millennials and Gen Z into TNI. These generations are often viewed as more inclusive, progressive, and inclined toward instant gratification, influenced by digital technology. Gen Z, in particular, is known for valuing privacy, while also being creative and innovative.

However, they are sometimes perceived as lacking the mental and physical resilience required in the military world, which demands an unyielding fighting spirit. Several cases within the TNI highlight tendencies toward weaker mental health, consumerist behavior, and dependence on digital platforms for decisionmaking. These issues have become a serious focus in the regeneration of TNI personnel.

This raises a crucial question: is TNI identity still a relevant characteristic in the digital era, now that the institution is increasingly manned by millennials and Gen Z? To answer this, TNI has taken various steps through recruitment, education, and character development aimed at producing young soldiers aligned with the core values of TNI identity.

Rigorous selection processes, tiered training programs, and mentorship from senior officers serve as key instruments for maintaining the continuity of character among personnel. Yet, we must continually assess whether these efforts are sufficient to instill the spirit of the People’s Army, the Warrior Army, the National Army, and the Professional Army in the younger generation.

It may be premature to conclude that the TNI’s developmental programs are lacking, as the existing education and training systems have been designed to be adaptive and responsive to evolving conditions. These programs are continually evaluated by the respective Army Chiefs of Staff and the Commander of the TNI.

Millennials and Gen Z, who now occupy tactical and technical positions, are still undergoing gradual character development. Therefore, reformulating curricula with interactive, modern, and contextual approaches, particularly by leveraging technology, is crucial. Unit commanders are also expected to apply a leadership style that is both humane and firm, so that the TNI’s identity becomes deeply instilled in the younger generation.

Amid both hope and concern regarding the millennial and Gen Z presence in TNI, public trust in the institution remains high. A survey conducted by Kompas Research and Development on 24 January 2025 recorded that 94.2% of respondents viewed the TNI as the state institution with the best public image—a rise from the previous survey. This reflects public appreciation for the TNI’s consistency in fulfilling its duties and serves as evidence that its identity remains relevant and widely accepted.

However, challenges persist: sustaining this trust amid ongoing regeneration. Therefore, strengthening doctrine and developing young personnel are key to ensuring that the TNI’s core values remain ingrained in the hearts and minds of its young soldiers and to address doubts about the resilience of the new generation.

Retired Soldiers and Their Enduring Identity

The adage “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away” is often heard to describe the enduring spirit of a soldier’s service. However, President Prabowo Subianto once gave this phrase a deeper meaning: “Old soldiers never die and they never fade away, they only go when the Almighty calls them,” underscoring that a true soldier never retires from serving the nation. Philosophies such as “Sepi ing pamrih, rame ing gawe” (a Javanese philosophy that means “act without seeking personal gain, work earnestly and tirelessly”) reflect a selfless dedication to national service. For veterans, retirement is merely an administrative status. The warrior spirit and identity as a Sapta Marga soldier remain intact and ready to be called upon whenever the nation needs them.

Nonetheless, recent dynamics among retired personnel have revealed divergent political attitudes and public expressions of opinion. If not addressed wisely, this may create negative perceptions regarding the unity of the values TNI has long upheld. TNI’s identity must remain a guiding light, ensuring that all forms of expression stay within constitutional boundaries and the spirit of nationalism.

TNI identity is not merely codified in doctrine; it is demonstrated through personal example. During their service, soldiers are trained to embody discipline, courage, loyalty, and a spirit of service. These values must not fade after retirement but should instead serve as a moral compass in civilian life. When retired soldiers voice opinions or engage in public activities, they should continue to demonstrate statesmanship and adherence to the ethics of Sapta Marga. The image of the TNI is shaped not only by active personnel but also by the example set by veterans who remain role models in society.

Sustaining the Identity of the TNI

Preserving the continuity of TNI’s identity is an institutional challenge that requires long-term strategic planning. Adapting to modern developments does not mean abandoning foundational values. On the contrary, the development of young personnel must be directed toward the actualization of traditional values in forms that are relevant to today’s context.

Synergy between the younger generation and veterans is vital in maintaining this continuity. The young need inspiration and example, while veterans need opportunities to continue contributing meaningfully. It is through this two-way collaboration that the identity of the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) will remain alive and dynamic.

TNI retirees hold great potential to serve as social unifiers and guardians of national morality. In a political climate prone to polarization, they can play the role of stabilizers and mediators, rather than becoming part of conflicts that threaten national stability. Loyalty to Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) must remain a core commitment upheld by every retiree. Beyond that, they must also be capable of constructively communicating TNI’s values to the wider public.

By upholding integrity and exemplary conduct, TNI retirees can serve as enduring role models who preserve the identity of TNI as a respected, beloved, and trusted force among the Indonesian people. Retirees are an integral part of TNI’s legacy of excellence and a key pillar in safeguarding the institution’s reputation, both today and in the future, as the foremost defender of Indonesia’s sovereignty.