Defence Ministry Must Focus on National Security and Defence Issues, Say Observers
Public policy analyst Gian Kasogi has stated that the Defence Minister should focus on addressing national security and defence issues rather than venturing too far into the realm of political economy and business.
“The Defence Minister should concentrate on handling national security and defence issues, not venture too deeply into the arena of political economy and business. If security issues continue to be played out through electoral political logic, the damage will not merely be to democratic quality, but to the national security design itself,” he said during a public discussion organised by the Central Leadership Council of Indonesia Youth Congress (DPP IYC) on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.
He assessed that the strengthening discourse around national security in public spaces recently requires critical examination. He cautioned that security issues should not become instruments of political power.
According to him, in recent times public attention has been largely consumed by domestic matters such as child protection regulations in digital spaces, discussions about fuel subsidy price increases, a surge in gold prices, and preparations for the Eid exodus. However, he noted, suddenly the discourse around national security threats has emerged and come to dominate public conversation.
He assessed that the Defence Ministry’s scope of operations currently appears to be expanding increasingly, touching various agendas beyond the defence sector.
According to Gian, security narratives are indeed often effective instruments in modern political practice. Threat issues can be exploited to build the legitimacy of power, strengthen the image of firm leadership, and consolidate political support.
Therefore, he stated that it is not impossible that the strengthening of security issues in public spaces also has connections with medium-term political dynamics, including the contest leading up to the 2029 Presidential Election. He cautioned that the government, particularly the Defence Ministry, should maintain focus on its primary function.