Analyst Views Fuel Efficiency in Defence Ministry–TNI as Reflection of Military Operations Concept Adjustment
JAKARTA - A political and military analyst from Universitas Nasional (Unas), Selamat Ginting, views the fuel (BBM) efficiency policy within the Ministry of Defence (Kemhan) and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) as part of adjusting the military operations concept amid global dynamics.
“From a military perspective, fuel efficiency does not mean lowering readiness, but rather adapting the way of fighting and training amid efficiency policies,” Selamat said when contacted on Tuesday (24/3/2026).
He explained that Kemhan and TNI Headquarters are likely promoting the optimisation of technology, including the use of battle simulations and smart training concepts, to reduce logistics consumption, including fuel.
Thus, the direction of the efficiency policy is not merely budget savings, but also part of efforts to maintain combat readiness based on efficiency (efficiency-driven readiness).
“Modern militaries are highly dependent on logistics, especially energy. However, efficiency can still be implemented and even becomes a momentum to improve more sustainable logistics governance,” he stated.
He assessed that Kemhan and TNI are also considering long-term steps to strengthen military resilience in facing potential energy crises.
From a political communication perspective, the efficiency policy is seen as sending an internal message that every unit needs to work within the framework of national priorities.
“Indeed, there are risks that need to be anticipated; fuel efficiency can also impact the reduction in flight hours or sea time for Navy defence equipment, for example,” Selamat clarified.
Such conditions can affect the reduced intensity of field exercises, which gradually risks lowering operational readiness. Therefore, savings need to be implemented in a measured manner so that combat capabilities remain maintained.
“That is why the key is savings that are truly maintained so that combat capabilities do not decline,” he said.