"Dream - Joni Ande Kala, who previously went viral due to his flagpole climbing act, has recently come back into the spotlight after being reported to have almost passed the TNI selection. In fact, he received a direct recommendation from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and an award from TNI Commander Hadi Tjahjanto. In response to this, President Jokowi did not say much. According to him, whether Joni passes or not depends on the existing rules. Jokowi has left this matter to TNI Commander Agus Subiyanto."

It is known that Joni Ande Kala, also known as the Red and White Boy, who went viral for climbing the flagpole to retrieve a rope that had come loose and got stuck during the commemoration of the 73rd Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, is now an adult. After going viral on August 17, 2018, Joni, along with his father and mother, was invited by President Jokowi to the presidential palace. At that time, Joni expressed his ambition to become a member of the Indonesian National Armed Forces. "Study hard so you can achieve your dreams. What do you want to be?" Joni answered that his dream is to become a soldier," said Jokowi.

"When he first registered, the 19-year-old young man failed because his height did not meet the requirements. Joni has a height of 155.8 cm, while the minimum requirement is 160 cm. He admitted to being very disappointed with the decision. Because he had previously undergone a height measurement at the Kodim when he registered. "I was measured for height and weight at the Kodim. I regret that if my height does not meet the requirements, why didn't they directly prohibit me at the Kodim. There are friends of mine whose heights do not meet the requirements and were sent home, why was I told to continue (to Kupang)," said Joni, as reported by Merdeka.com."

"

Regarding the award certificate, it has been reported to the Army Headquarters. An order from the Army Headquarters is to provide an opportunity to take the test; we will later explore whether there are other potentials in different fields," said Agung in a written statement on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

Agung explained that the tests Joni will undergo, in broad terms, include health tests, posture, physical fitness, academic tests, and psychological tests. The results of the series of tests will later be reported to the TNI AD Headquarters as the final decision-maker.