President Prabowo participated in the 80th Hari Bhayangkara ceremony on July 1, 2024, in Bogor, Indonesia, where he cut a traditional tumpeng and presented it to the Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Kapolri). The event, held at the Police Headquarters, marked the anniversary of the establishment of the Indonesian National Police and highlighted the institution’s role in safeguarding democracy and public safety.
The ceremony featured a military column forming the number 80, symbolizing the anniversary, alongside a display of police equipment, including locally produced anti-cutting vests and radiation protection gear. Prabowo’s address emphasized the police’s responsibility to uphold democratic principles and ensure the protection of citizens’ rights to free expression, according to official statements from the presidential office.
Ceremony Details and Symbolism
The 80th Hari Bhayangkara ceremony included a formal parade and cultural elements, with Prabowo cutting the tumpeng—a cone-shaped rice dish representing prosperity and unity. The act of presenting the tumpeng to Kapolri symbolized the government’s commitment to the police force. The event also featured a military formation of 80, a visual tribute to the anniversary, as reported by multiple Indonesian news outlets.
According to the Indonesian National Police, the ceremony underscored the institution’s modernization efforts, including the increased use of locally manufactured equipment. This aligns with broader government initiatives to boost domestic production, as noted in a 2023 policy document on public sector procurement.
Military Column and Police Displays
A prominent feature of the ceremony was a military column that formed the number 80, a spectacle that drew attention from attendees and media. The display, organized by the Indonesian Armed Forces, highlighted the collaboration between the military and police in national security. A video of the event, shared by the police’s official social media channels, showed the formation as part of a larger parade of vehicles and personnel.
The police also showcased equipment produced by local manufacturers, including anti-cutting vests and radiation detection devices. This initiative, part of a 2022 directive by the Ministry of Defense, aims to reduce reliance on foreign imports and support domestic industries, according to a government press release.
Prabowo’s Address on Democracy and Police Responsibilities
In his speech, Prabowo reiterated the importance of the police as “guardians of democracy,” urging the force to maintain neutrality and protect citizens’ rights. “The police must ensure that every citizen can express their opinions freely while upholding the rule of law,” he stated, as transcribed by the presidential office. This message resonated with the theme of the anniversary, which focused on the police’s role in a democratic society.
The president also acknowledged the challenges faced by the police, including counterterrorism and crime prevention. He called for greater public trust in the force, emphasizing transparency and accountability. “The police must earn the people’s confidence through their actions,” he said, according to a summary of his remarks.
Context of the 80th Anniversary
The 80th Hari Bh