Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Commander of the Army’s Special Forces (Kopassus), Major General Djon Afriandi publicly apologized after photos emerged showing several Kopassus soldiers posing with Rosario de Marshall, also known as Hercules, a former militia leader and now and a leader of Gerakan Rakyat Indonesia Bersatu (GRIB) organization.
Commander Djon acknowledged that the soldiers did not consider the broader implications of the photo.
“At that moment, it simply didn’t cross their minds that taking a photo with Mr. Hercules could cause public concern,” he said during a children’s event at the Kopassus headquarters in Cijantung, Jakarta, on Saturday (26/4/2025).
The photos, taken during a formal event with soldiers in full uniform, sparked criticism from the public and within the military, according to antaranews.com.
Commander Djon emphasized the need for immediate internal reflection and confirmed that those involved would receive guidance. The apology was directed not only at the public but also at fellow soldiers and veterans who were troubled by the incident.
(mg/inp/pr/nm)