Indonesia needs stronger TNI amid global uncertainty: Prabowo

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2 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has stressed the need for Indonesia to continue strengthening the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), citing the country’s vast size.

“We will also continue to build up our strength,” the president said in his address during the ceremony for the 81st anniversary of the TNI at the PRIMA Field, TNI Headquarters in Jakarta on Monday.

The president noted that Indonesia is a vast country with extensive maritime territory, thousands of islands, long borders, and numerous strategic assets that must be safeguarded.

While acknowledging the heavy task facing the TNI, he expressed confidence in the military’s capability to fulfill its duties.

He urged military personnel to safeguard Indonesia’s people, territory, and wealth from Sabang to Merauke and from Miangas to Rote Island, ensuring those resources benefit all Indonesians.

Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia has no intention of interfering with any nation and respects all countries, but will not tolerate being threatened. The TNI, he said, is built for self-defense and to protect the people.

The president also noted that the world is facing volatility and uncertainty. Threats are no longer strictly physical, he added, as Indonesia is already facing cyberattacks, disinformation, and fake news.

Additionally, the president highlighted the smuggling of national resources as a major threat to sovereignty.

Therefore, the president called on the TNI to continuously adapt, learn, and train to become a professional, responsive, modern, innovative, and adaptive force that masters technology.

He also stressed that the system within the TNI must be merit-based rather than relying strictly on seniority.

The 81st TNI anniversary ceremony involved 3,378 personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. During the event, the president inaugurated 204 new military units, including six regional military commands.