Academics warn that strengthening defence sector must remain within democratic framework
Jakarta — A law professor at the University of Indonesia, Prof. Heru Susetyo, has reminded policymakers that strengthening the defence sector must remain within the framework of a democratic state that places civilian control as a core principle.
During a public discussion in Jakarta on Wednesday, he stated that national security design cannot be understood solely as the strengthening of military institutions.
“A strong national defence is not merely about strengthening the TNI or security apparatus, but also ensuring that civil society remains the primary pillar in a democratic system,” said Prof. Heru.
In the same forum, international relations expert Prof. Connie Rahakundini Bakrie acknowledged that global geopolitical dynamics are indeed prompting many countries to increase their defence capacity.
However, she emphasised that national security strategy must remain formulated in a measured manner and based on long-term national interests.
According to Connie, the Ministry of Defence should focus on consolidating military strength, developing the defence industry, and formulating strategies to address the increasingly complex geopolitical tensions facing the world.
Robi Nurhadi, a lecturer in international relations and foreign policy at the National University of Jakarta, added that current security challenges are not merely military in nature, but are also linked to changing global political constellations and great power rivalries.
Therefore, he said, defence policy should be directed towards strengthening the state’s strategic capacity, rather than spreading across various other policy sectors that could obscure the primary national defence priorities.
The academics and researchers expressed hope that Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin would focus on the primary mandate of managing national defence amid the current situation.
The public discussion was organised by the Central Leadership Council of Indonesia Youth Congress, addressing the direction of Indonesia’s defence policy amidst heated global geopolitics whilst emphasising the importance of maintaining balance between strengthening the security sector, civilian supremacy, and democratic governance.