Former Spy Chief Hendropriyono Debuts New Commando Anthem at Surprise 80th Birthday Bash
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — The Astor Ballroom at the St. Regis Jakarta hosted a lively and emotional celebration on Thursday, May 29, as retired General A.M. Hendropriyono, one of Indonesia’s most prominent military and intelligence figures, marked his 80th birthday among close friends and national dignitaries.
What started as a surprise gathering evolved into a historic moment in itself. In his welcoming remarks, Hendropriyono revealed that he had composed a brand-new “Mars Komando” — a spirited anthem for the special forces — just the night before the celebration.
“There was no proper ‘Mars Komando,’ only the hymn composed by Titiek Puspa,” Hendropriyono said with a grin, referring to the more solemn "Hymne Komando." “But a hymn is too mellow. Imagine a commando unit cutting a birthday cake while that plays?” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.
Anthem Born Overnight
The retired general explained that he felt compelled to create a more rousing and representative tune — one that embodied the fighting spirit, leadership, and energy of the elite commandos. He completed the anthem in the early morning hours and had it rehearsed in time for the evening's program.
“We are a family of commandos. Even at 80 — or beyond — we must keep the commando spirit alive. Because commandos always lead in front,” he declared with conviction.
A Foiled Escape to Osaka
Interestingly, Hendropriyono had no intention of celebrating his birthday with such fanfare. He traveled to Osaka, Japan, on May 7—his actual birthday—in an attempt to avoid the annual family affair.
“I escaped so my children wouldn’t throw a big party,” he said, laughing. “But then my friends planned it instead.”
After visiting Indonesia’s pavilion at the World Expo Osaka, which he praised as an impressive showcase led by Minister of National Development Planning Rahmat Pambudi, Hendropriyono returned to Jakarta—only to walk into a meticulously organized surprise party by long-time friends Garibaldi “Boy” Thohir and Chandra Eka Jaya.
“I’ve been friends with Boy for 33 years, and with Chandra for 21. These two are the culprits,” he said playfully. “I initially refused, but they told me the deposit was already paid. It would’ve been too much of a hassle to cancel.”
Dignitaries and Warm Tributes
The event was attended by several high-profile figures, including former Vice President Try Sutrisno, who received a heartfelt tribute from Hendropriyono. Also present was General (Ret.) Muhammad Herindra, head of Indonesia’s State Intelligence Agency (BIN), who reportedly flew in specifically for the event.
“Pak Herindra landed and came straight here. That meant a lot to me,” Hendropriyono said, visibly touched.
He also gave a special mention to Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), calling him a role model and a beacon of hope for the country’s future.
Despite the extended holiday weekend preventing some guests from attending, Hendropriyono expressed gratitude to those who traveled from outside Jakarta to join the celebration.
“I apologize if the reception caught you by surprise. I was surprised myself,” he remarked.
Notable attendees included Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, former Army Chief of Staff General (Ret.) Andika Perkasa, PT Freeport Indonesia CEO Tony Wenas, former Housing Minister Maruarar Sirait, and PT Adaro Andalan Indonesia Tbk President Director Julius Aslan.