Defence Minister Affirms Military Must Be Ready to Safeguard National Sovereignty

EAST BELITUNG, KOMPAS.com — Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has emphasised that all TNI personnel must possess terrain mastery capabilities and be prepared to protect national sovereignty.

This statement was made by Sjafrie before soldiers of the Territorial Development Battalion (Yon TP) 845/Ksatria Satam at Simpang Tiga, Simpang Renggiang, East Belitung, Bangka Belitung Islands, on Tuesday (17 March 2026).

“The soldiers of Infantry Battalion 845 must be able to shoot, must be able to execute fieldcraft duties, and must be able to carry out the task of safeguarding our national sovereignty. Are you ready?” Sjafrie asked, met with affirmative shouts from the troops.

Sjafrie stressed that soldiers must be ready because the government has fulfilled all requirements for TNI personnel. According to Sjafrie, this situation differs from the past when support for troops was limited.

He therefore urged soldiers to be grateful and thankful to the Indonesian people who support the fulfilment of TNI needs. He also reminded them that readiness must not merely be stated but must be demonstrated through daily attitudes and actions.

He further asked soldiers to emulate senior officers who have endured various hardships in their service to the nation.

“You are not the only example, but you can see the high-ranking officers and your seniors standing there who have experienced difficulties far more severe than those you face now,” said Sjafrie.

“Therefore, you must feel that the government cares for you. Thus, you are obliged to care for the people and support the government’s duty to protect our national sovereignty,” he added.