Bappenas: Maritime Defence Strength a Strategic Element in Safeguarding Sovereignty

Minister of National Development Planning and Head of the National Development Planning Agency (PPN/Bappenas) Rachmat Pambudy has stated that building maritime defence strength is a strategic element in safeguarding sovereignty while supporting the national development agenda. “Indonesia is a large country, both in terms of territory and its strategic position. We are situated between two continents and two oceans. Therefore, we must position ourselves as a big nation. A large country must be strong. That strength is not only reflected in economic development, but also in the ability to protect its territorial sovereignty and security,” he said during a public lecture at the Naval Staff and Command School (Seskoal), according to an official Bappenas statement in Jakarta on Monday. In the context of Indonesia being the world’s largest archipelagic nation, he continued, maritime power and the Navy are becoming increasingly important, not just today, but also in the future. Rachmat Pambudy views defence as a long-term development investment. Indonesia’s seas, which cover two-thirds of the nation’s territory, are considered to hold economic potential, including new and renewable energy resources, fisheries, and a strategic position in global trade. However, Indonesia also faces a high risk of disasters because it is located in the Ring of Fire region. For this reason, securing the maritime domain is deemed a prerequisite for achieving national prosperity. Defence development must align with the principles of capability-based planning, budget effectiveness, and the strengthening of the national defence industry to address the increasingly multi-dimensional challenges of modern warfare. “Indonesia’s future lies not only on land, but also at sea. Indeed, the history of this nation’s glory was built through mastery of the maritime domain. Srivijaya, Majapahit, and various great Nusantara kingdoms demonstrate that when our maritime space is strong, this nation is strong,” said the PPN Minister. “Conversely, when the ability to safeguard the seas weakens, various resources and economic opportunities are lost. Therefore, maritime defence must be an inseparable part of the national development strategy,” he stated.