Defence Minister States TNI Alert Status One Not Related to Geopolitical Issues
JAKARTA — Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that the Alert Status One designation for the entire Indonesian Military (TNI) apparatus is unrelated to Indonesia’s geopolitical issues.
“The preparedness measures we are undertaking have no geopolitical implications. There are no implications for geoeconomics,” he explained when met at the Defence Ministry in Central Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
Sjafrie emphasised that the phrase “Alert Status One” established by TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto is military terminology.
However, the public has interpreted it using political language.
In this regard, Sjafrie clarified that TNI Alert Status One forms part of geostrategy.
Therefore, Sjafrie appealed to the public not to be concerned.
“What society actually needs is security and comfort. That is our national duty to establish national policy, and the TNI Commander to manage operations,” said Sjafrie.
“This alert status is to assure the people that the republic is secure and certainly must be comfortable in terms of clothing, food, and shelter,” he added.
The order is contained in TNI Commander Telegram No. TR/283/2026, signed by TNI Commander Operations Assistant Lieutenant General Bobby Rinal Makmun on 1 March 2026.
The telegram stated that all TNI units must increase operational readiness in response to escalating international conflict dynamics and their potential impact on domestic security.
Agus stated that Alert Status One in the military is standard terminology that has frequently been applied in various situations.
“Alert Status One is military terminology, standard military language. I have already implemented Alert Status One, of course in units like the Natural Disaster Rapid Response Force. So each regional military command has one battalion on Alert Status One should natural disasters occur in its area,” said Agus at the Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday evening, 10 March 2026.
Agus claimed he wished to test TNI personnel and material readiness, so the Alert Status One instruction is routine.
However, when asked whether Alert Status One is related to the escalating Middle East conflict, Agus did not answer directly.
“Okay, thank you, that is routine — Alert Status One,” he said.