Defence Minister Explains Purpose of Alert Status One

Jakarta — Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has called on the public not to fear the Alert Status One declaration previously issued by the Indonesian military (TNI), describing it as a measure to protect citizens amidst ongoing conflict tensions.

“The public need not be worried. What people actually need is safety and comfort,” Sjafrie said during a press statement at the Defence Ministry headquarters in Central Jakarta on Thursday.

According to Sjafrie, the TNI has been tasked from the outset with strengthening the nation’s defence against both global and domestic conflict. He noted that defence escalation must be adjusted according to prevailing circumstances and conditions.

Sjafrie emphasised that the TNI’s decision to declare Alert Status One was based on geostrategic considerations. “The preparedness measures we are implementing have no geopolitical or geoeconomic impact,” he clarified.

With the Alert Status One in place, Sjafrie expressed confidence that the government will be more effective in safeguarding national defence and public security. “This alert status is to assure the people that the republic is safe and secure, and of course citizens must be comfortable with adequate provisions for clothing, food, and shelter,” he added.