By Adnan Hameed
TWA
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A prestigious ceremony was held in Islamabad on Wednesday to mark the 79th anniversary of the Indonesian Armed Forces. The event, attended by senior officials, diplomats, and members of the armed forces, highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Indonesia and Pakistan.
Air Marshal Shakil Ghazanfar, Deputy Chief of Air Staff Personnel, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Addressing the attendees, he emphasized the importance of the strong bilateral relations between the two nations, particularly in the defense sector.
Chargé d’Affaires of Indonesia in Pakistan, Mr. Ferry J. Murdiansyah, in his address, underscored the significant achievements of the Indonesian Armed Forces. He noted the pivotal role the military has played in protecting Indonesia’s sovereignty and maintaining stability, both in conventional and non-conventional arenas.
“From uniting our nation to addressing modern security challenges, the Indonesian Armed Forces have always stood at the forefront,” said Mr. Murdiansyah. He also highlighted the historical ties between Indonesia and Pakistan, tracing them back to the anti-colonial efforts of Indonesia’s President Sukarno and Pakistan’s Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The Chargé d’Affaires further added that the Indonesian Armed Forces have been instrumental in strengthening military cooperation between Indonesia and Pakistan, fostering a partnership built on mutual respect and shared values.
Colonel Budi Wiman, the Defense Attaché of the Embassy of Indonesia, also addressed the gathering. He warmly welcomed the chief guest and all attendees, expressing his gratitude towards Pakistan’s security departments and law enforcement agencies for their exceptional cooperation with the Indonesian Defense Office during his tenure.
“I’ll never forget their cooperation,” said Colonel Budi Wiman. He announced that this event would be his last in his official capacity, as his tenure as the Defense Attaché of the Embassy of Indonesia will conclude at the end of the month. In his concluding remarks, he added, “Long live Indonesia-Pakistan friendship.”
In a solemn moment, the attendees observed a minute of silence in remembrance of lives lost in the occupied territory of Palestine, reflecting the deep commitment both nations share toward peace and humanity.
The ceremony concluded with a traditional cake-cutting event, led by Air Marshal Shakil Ghazanfar, Mr. Ferry J. Murdiansyah, Indonesian Defense Attaché Colonel Budi Wiman, and other distinguished guests, symbolizing the unity and brotherhood between Indonesia and Pakistan.
This event not only commemorated the contributions of the Indonesian Armed Forces but also reaffirmed the continued military collaboration and the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations.