Commander Orders TNI Alert Level 1; Defence Ministry Explains
Jakarta — Indonesia’s Defence Ministry (Kemenhan) has responded to the circulation of TNI Commander Telegram Number TR/283/2026, which contains instructions for alert level 1 readiness across TNI units. According to the Head of the Defence Information Bureau (Karo Infohan) at the Defence Ministry Secretariat, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, alert level determination for units is fundamentally within the operational authority of the TNI Commander in the supervision and control of TNI force readiness.
“This measure forms part of internal procedures to ensure all units remain in a state of readiness to address various developments in the strategic situation,” said Rico when confirmed by Republika in Jakarta on Monday, 9 March 2026.
He explained that regarding the circulating telegram, the enhancement of alert readiness is essentially a tactical-operational consideration within the TNI framework. In the working relationship mechanism between Kemenhan and TNI, Rico stated that operational matters of this nature do not always require prior approval from Kemenhan.
“However, in principle it forms part of coordination and notification within the framework of national defence supervision,” Rico said.
He stressed that alert readiness must be understood as a standard procedure in the defence system, particularly when global and regional security dynamics occur.
“This does not immediately indicate an emergency situation or direct threat to Indonesia, but rather a precautionary measure to ensure the readiness of personnel and units,” Rico said.
He assured that Kemenhan supports every professional step taken by TNI in maintaining the alert readiness of national defence forces, in accordance with its primary duty of protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity, “and protecting the entire nation and all Indonesian territory,” Rico stated.
Previously, in a document obtained by Republika, the telegram was signed by the TNI Commander’s Assistant for Operations (Asops) Lieutenant General Bobby Rinal Makmun in Jakarta on 1 March 2026. To anticipate domestic conditions resulting from the Middle East conflict, various TNI organisations were ordered to implement alert level 1 readiness across all their units from 1 March 2026 until concluded.
There are seven important instructions for the TNI. First: the TNI Main Operations Command (Pangkotamaops) shall place personnel and equipment on alert in its units and conduct patrols at strategic vital objects (obvit) and economic centres, including airports, seaports and riverports, railway stations, bus terminals, and PLN offices.
Second: the National Air Defence Command (Kohanudnas) shall conduct continuous early detection and air surveillance for 24 hours.
Third: TNI Strategic Intelligence Agency (Bais) shall order Indonesian defence attachés (athan) in affected countries to identify, map, and plan evacuation of Indonesian nationals (WNI) if necessary and coordinate with the Foreign Ministry (Kemenlu), Indonesian Embassies (KBRI), and relevant authorities according to escalation in the Middle East region.
Fourth: Kodam Jaya/Jayakarta shall conduct patrols at strategic vital places and embassies and anticipate situational developments in maintaining conduciveness in the Jakarta Special Capital Region.
Fifth: TNI intelligence units shall conduct early detection and early prevention of groups at strategic vital places and embassies and anticipate situational developments in maintaining conduciveness in the Jakarta Special Capital Region.
Sixth: the Central Implementation Body (Balakpus) shall implement alert status in their respective units.
Seventh: report all situational developments occurring to the TNI Commander when opportunity allows.
“This telegram is an order,” as stated in the telegram obtained by Republika in Jakarta on Saturday, 7 March 2026.