Defence Ministry-TNI Fuel Efficiency Measures: DPR Member Says It Does Not Reduce Defence Commitment
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the DPR Dave Laksono stated that the fuel efficiency measures taken by the Ministry of Defence (Kemenhan) and the TNI will not reduce the commitment to defence.
Dave believes that the fuel efficiency steps taken by Kemenhan and the TNI should instead be appreciated.
“In the midst of global geopolitical dynamics and national fiscal challenges, efficiency is not a form of reducing commitment to defence, but rather an effort to ensure that every resource is used more wisely and oriented towards strategic needs,” Dave told Kompas.com on Tuesday (24/3/2026).
With proper management, he said, defence equipment and official mobility can still function optimally, while the state budget is used more effectively.
“Commission I of the DPR emphasises that efficiency must go hand in hand with maintaining the TNI’s operational readiness. As long as that principle is upheld, this policy will strengthen public confidence that the defence sector is able to adapt to contemporary challenges without reducing deterrence power or the professionalism of the troops,” he explained.
According to him, measured efficiency is believed not to reduce operational readiness.
“Rather, it will strengthen modern, transparent, and sustainable defence governance, which will ultimately strengthen the country’s defence as a whole,” Dave added.
Head of the Defence Information Bureau (Karo Infohan) of the General Secretariat (Setjen) of Kemhan, Brigadier General (Brigjen) TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, said that the step is part of early mitigation to maintain economic stability and national resilience.
“The government views the need for early mitigation to maintain economic stability and national resilience,” Rico said in his statement on Monday (23/3/2026).
“As a follow-up, Kemenhan and the TNI are carrying out internal adjustments that are administrative and managerial in nature,” he stated.
He explained that the efficiency is focused on support aspects, while strategic operations and defence readiness remain the top priority that is maintained optimally.
“The steps prepared include more effective and priority-based resource management, including in the operations of main weapon system equipment (alutsista) and official mobility,” he clarified.
Several schemes prepared include adjusting workdays from five days to four days in certain functions that allow it.
“Then, managing the use of alutsista based on priority indices and operational needs, as well as limiting the use of official vehicles and employee shuttle transport while still considering the effectiveness of task implementation,” he explained.