Prabowo warns smuggling poses threat to Indonesia’s sovereignty

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2 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – President Prabowo Subianto has highlighted smuggling as a current threat to Indonesia.

According to him, the smuggling of Indonesia’s resources abroad can threaten national sovereignty, while the smuggling of narcotics into the country threatens national survival.

“Smuggling poses a threat to Indonesia. When our resources are smuggled out of the country, it threatens our sovereignty,” he said at the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in Cilangkap, Jakarta, on Monday.

He added that narcotics smuggling into Indonesia also poses a serious threat to the people.

Therefore, he emphasized that strengthening the TNI is aimed at protecting Indonesia’s people, territory, and resources as part of efforts to ensure that the country’s wealth benefits the people.

“We want to always protect our people, territory, and our wealth,” Prabowo said.

He added that a strong TNI is needed to support efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger and secure a better future for the next generation of Indonesians.

He then reminded the TNI of its history, noting that it was born from the people and grew alongside the struggles of the Indonesian people.

The president stated that the TNI is a force of freedom fighters that existed even before the state was able to provide a budget.

Therefore, Prabowo called on the TNI to dedicate its full strength to protecting the people and urged soldiers to remain close to the community and be present whenever they are needed.

In addition, the head of state 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.

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