Brilio.net - Yohanes Ande Kalla or Joni, a flagpole climber boy, has now succeeded in realizing his dream of becoming a soldier. After failing the selection because he did not meet the height requirements, Joni was finally declared to have passed as a candidate for the Indonesian Army NCO.
Joni's journey to become an Indonesian Army soldier was not easy. In 2024, when he took part in the selection for a Bintara candidate, Joni had to swallow his disappointment because he failed to meet the height requirement.
As a prospective TNI Bintara, the minimum height set is 160 cm for underdeveloped regions such as NTT. Unfortunately, Joni 's height at that time was only 155.8 cm, so he did not meet the criteria.
Head of Information for Kodam IX/Udayana, Colonel Inf. Agung Udayana, explained that the main reason Joni failed the initial stage was the discrepancy in height.
"The main reason for his failure was because Joni's height did not meet the minimum requirements set, which is 163 cm. Although underdeveloped regions such as NTT have special provisions with a minimum limit of 160 cm, Joni is only 155.8 cm tall, so he does not meet the requirements," said Colonel Inf. Agung.
Joni passed the TNI NCO candidate
Instagram/@yohanes_ande_kala
The failure certainly made Joni feel sad and disappointed. However, his luck did not stop there. Thanks to his viral heroic actions and the awards he received from the TNI Commander and the Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, Joni was given the opportunity to continue the selection process. This consideration was given by the TNI AD leadership as a form of appreciation for his courage and enthusiasm.
Reported by Antara, Joni returned to follow the selection series until reaching the central level. After going through various tests that explored his special potential, Joni was declared to have passed as a candidate for the Indonesian Army NCO for the 2024 academic year.
"Joni was declared to have passed the 2024 Regular TNI AD PK Bintara Recruitment for the Expertise Category in Bandung," explained Colonel Inf. Agung.
Furthermore, Colonel Inf. Agung explained that Joni will continue his education at the IX/Udayana Regional Military Main Regiment (Rindam) according to his registration area of origin. Joni will join other prospective NCOs who have been declared to have passed.
"In accordance with the schedule for the implementation of the recruitment of prospective TNI AD NCOs, Joni along with 218 other people will attend the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 TNI AD NCO Education on September 27, 2024 at Rindam IX/Udayana," he said.
The educational process that Joni will undergo lasts for eight months, consisting of five months of basic military education and three months of vocational education according to specialization. After completing his education, Joni will officially become an Indonesian Army soldier and is ready to carry out his duties as a civil servant.
"Joni will follow the education for five months, then undergo vocational education for three months," said Colonel Inf. Agung.
Joni's success is certainly a source of pride, considering his action in 2018 which had attracted public attention. At that time, Joni, who was still in elementary school, managed to climb a 15-meter flagpole to save the red and white flag that was caught in the 73rd Indonesian Independence Day commemoration ceremony at Mota Ain Field, Belu Regency, NTT.
The heroic act not only made him go viral on social media, but also led to him being invited by President Joko Widodo to the State Palace. In his meeting with President Jokowi, Joni was asked about his dreams.
Joni passed the TNI NCO candidate
Instagram/@jokowi
Without hesitation, Joni said that he wanted to be a soldier. Hearing this, President Jokowi immediately directed Joni to meet the TNI Commander and promised that he would be accepted as a member of the TNI.
Now, that promise has come true. Joni, who once climbed the flagpole with great courage, is now ready to start a new chapter in his life as an Indonesian Army soldier. With all his efforts and sincerity, Joni has proven that initial failure is not the end, but the beginning of a new, bigger opportunity.