President leads ceremony to mark TNI anniversary

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (C) reviews a military parade during the 65th Indonesian military anniversary in Jakarta on October 5, 2010. Indonesian military or Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) celebrated its anniversary displaying Indonesian jet fighters including Russian-made Sukhoi, American-made F16, F5 Tiger, Hawk and South Korean-made Woong Bee. (Photo: Getty Images)

October 5, 2010, Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono led a ceremony to observe the 65th anniversary of Indonesia`s National Defense Forces (TNI) at Halim Perdanakusuma air force base in east Jakarta on Tuesday.

The head of state, flanked by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, arrived at the venue of the ceremony at around 9 am local time.

Also present on the occasion were among others TNI Chief Adminaral Agus Suhartono, the chiefs of staff of the Air Force, Navy and Army, cabinet ministers and foreign diplomats.

Following the ceremony, the president attended a reception held to entertain guests.
Meanwhile, President Yudhoyono was scheduled to leave for The Netherlands on Tuesday afternoon for a three-day state visit.

"The President and entourage are expected to arrive at Schiphol international airport early Wednesday (local time), October 6, 2010," presidential spokesman for foreign affairs Teuku Faizasyah said here on Monday.

On Wednesday, the Indonesian leader and his entourage would be greeted in a state ceremony at the Noordeinde Palace where they would later attend a state reception and lunch with Queen Beatrix and her family.

"On the occasion of the lunch, the Indonesian President will receive an Order of the Dutch Lion award from Queen Beatrix. The two state leaders will later exchange souvenirs," he said.

The "Order of the Dutch Lion" is a distinction created by King William I on September 29, 1815 and given to noted figures from various fields including ministers, generals, mayors and artists.
Indonesian soldiers watch parachutists during the 65th Indonesian military anniversary in Jakarta on October 5, 2010. (Photo: Getty Images)

Jet fighters Sukhoi Su-27SKM are seen in the sky during a military ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of the Indonesia National Military in Jakarta October 5, 2010. (Photo: Reuters)

An Indonesian man shoots Russian-made Indonesian jet fighters Sukhoi maneuver. (Photo: Getty Images)

Indonesian soldiers take pictures as Sukhoi Su-27SKM fighter jets pass by during a ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of the Indonesia National Military in Jakarta October 5, 2010. (Photo: Reuters)


Indonesia's U.N peacekeeping force personnel march during a ceremony to commemorate the 65th military anniversary at a base in Jakarta, October 5, 2010. (Photo: Reuters)

An Indonesian special forces Kopassus soldier helps his colleague adjust his beret before a ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of the Indonesia National Military in Jakarta October 5, 2010. (Photo: Reuters)

Indonesian special forces Kopassus soldiers march during a ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of the Indonesia National Military in Jakarta October 5, 2010. (Photo: Reuters)

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