Defence Minister Urges Public Not to Worry Over Alert Status 1, Here's Why

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Defence Minister (Menhan) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has called on the public not to fear the Alert Status 1 previously issued by the Indonesian military (TNI).

The Alert Status 1, according to Sjafrie, is actually a measure by the TNI to protect the public and maintain safety amid global conflicts.

“The public need not worry. What is actually needed is security and comfort,” Sjafrie said whilst giving a press statement in front of the Defence Ministry office in Central Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

According to Sjafrie, the TNI has been tasked since its inception with strengthening national defence against both global and domestic conflicts. Defence escalation measures, he continued, must be adjusted to the prevailing situation and conditions.

Sjafrie therefore emphasised that the decision to impose Alert Status 1, taken by the TNI, is based on geostrategic considerations.

“So the readiness (Alert Status 1) that we have undertaken has no geopolitical impact. It has no impact on the geoeconomy,” Sjafrie explained.

With Alert Status 1 in place, Sjafrie is confident 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 secure and comfortable in terms of clothing, food, and shelter,” he said.