Jakarta \u2014 A law professor at the University of Indonesia, Prof.\u00a0Heru\nSusetyo, has reminded policymakers that strengthening the defence sector\nmust remain within the framework of a democratic state that places\ncivilian control as a core principle.<\/p>\n
During a public discussion in Jakarta on Wednesday, he stated that\nnational security design cannot be understood solely as the\nstrengthening of military institutions.<\/p>\n
\u201cA strong national defence is not merely about strengthening the TNI\nor security apparatus, but also ensuring that civil society remains the\nprimary pillar in a democratic system,\u201d said Prof.\u00a0Heru.<\/p>\n
In the same forum, international relations expert Prof.\u00a0Connie\nRahakundini Bakrie acknowledged that global geopolitical dynamics are\nindeed prompting many countries to increase their defence capacity.<\/p>\n
However, she emphasised that national security strategy must remain\nformulated in a measured manner and based on long-term national\ninterests.<\/p>\n
According to Connie, the Ministry of Defence should focus on\nconsolidating military strength, developing the defence industry, and\nformulating strategies to address the increasingly complex geopolitical\ntensions facing the world.<\/p>\n
Robi Nurhadi, a lecturer in international relations and foreign\npolicy at the National University of Jakarta, added that current\nsecurity challenges are not merely military in nature, but are also\nlinked to changing global political constellations and great power\nrivalries.<\/p>\n
Therefore, he said, defence policy should be directed towards\nstrengthening the state\u2019s strategic capacity, rather than spreading\nacross various other policy sectors that could obscure the primary\nnational defence priorities.<\/p>\n
The academics and researchers expressed hope that Defence Minister\nSjafrie Sjamsoeddin would focus on the primary mandate of managing\nnational defence amid the current situation.<\/p>\n
The public discussion was organised by the Central Leadership Council\nof Indonesia Youth Congress, addressing the direction of Indonesia\u2019s\ndefence policy amidst heated global geopolitics whilst emphasising the\nimportance of maintaining balance between strengthening the security\nsector, civilian supremacy, and democratic governance.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/academics-warn-that-strengthening-defence-sector-must-remain-within-democratic-framework-1773240849", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }