Jakarta. Thousands of citizens flocked to the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta to witness the military parade of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and their defense equipment, celebrating the 79th TNI anniversary on Saturday. The crowd erupted in cheers during an exhilarating dogfight simulation.

Attendees began arriving as early as 6 a.m. but had to wait outside the Monas complex, as entry was limited for the official ceremony. Following the ceremony, the crowd surged in to catch glimpses of soldier demonstrations and the military parade, with security personnel struggling to manage the overwhelming flow of people.

Despite the efforts of police and military personnel to maintain order, many attendees, including mothers with children, pressed closer to the parade route, eager to witness the TNI troops in action. Soldiers attempted to explain that the area was reserved for marching troops and tanks, urging attendees to maintain a safe distance.

By 12:30 p.m., traffic around Monas was at a standstill, with vehicles stuck on Jalan Medan Merdeka in Gambir, Central Jakarta. Meanwhile, at Manggarai Station in South Jakarta, commuter line passengers waited for up to two hours to access platforms nine and ten, as many sought to join the TNI anniversary celebration.

"I've been waiting with my family for almost two hours to get onto the platform," said Evi, a commuter. "I just want to go to Monas, but it's so crowded."

Station officials had to open and close entrance gates to manage the influx of passengers and prevent overcrowding on the platforms.

Despite the heat and large crowds, thousands remained enthusiastic, capturing the moment with their phones as troops in full uniform marched across the Monas grounds. The TNI opened the monument's gates wide for citizens to enjoy the anniversary festivities.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who officiated the ceremony, remarked that this year's celebration felt particularly connected to the people. "Today, the 79th anniversary of the TNI is the most 'people-oriented' celebration, showcasing the bond between the TNI and the citizens," he stated. "This is the strength of our nation, united in purpose."

Jokowi was joined by First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo, their grandson Jan Ethes, President-elect Prabowo Subianto, and Vice President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Jokowi's oldest son.

The parade and military display featured over 30,000 troops, including special forces from each branch of the TNI: Kopassus from the Army, the Marine Corps from the Navy, and Kopasgat from the Air Force. The event commenced with a cavalry unit of 55 horses from the Army Cavalry Detachment, followed by drum bands from military academies, police military battalions, and a combined unit of female TNI soldiers.

The Air Force showcased impressive aerial maneuvers, including a dogfight simulation featuring Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker and F-16 Fighting Falcon jets over Monas. The scenario depicted an intercept operation where the Flanker targeted the F-16.

To evade the missile, the F-16 released flares and executed a high-G turn, gaining the upper hand and launching air-to-air missiles to neutralize the target.

Before the dogfight simulation, the Air Force also demonstrated in-air refueling techniques, featuring a KC-130 Hercules tanker fueling Hawk 100/200 jets.

Eight F-16 fighter jets zoomed over Monas at high speed, thrilling the crowd as part of the TNI's display of strength and capability.

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