Deputy Defence Minister: Indonesia Remains Safe Despite Escalating Middle East Tensions
Deputy Defence Minister Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Donny Ermawan Taufanto stated that Indonesia’s security situation remains stable despite escalating conflict in the Gulf region. The Defence Minister noted that Indonesians can continue observing Ramadan fasting without any security threats.
“Alhamdulillah, our situation in Indonesia remains secure, unlike the current situation in the Middle East, where people cannot enjoy Ramadan as they do here in Indonesia,” he said whilst opening an Eid al-Fitr bazaar at the Defence Ministry in Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
Donny described Indonesia’s security stability amidst the Iran-United States-Israel conflict as a blessing from God that must be appreciated. “This is a blessing we should also be grateful for,” he added.
Meanwhile, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto issued a telegram establishing Alert Status I for all defence units across Indonesia on 1 March 2026. This decision requires all military units to maintain heightened alert levels to anticipate domestic threats amid the escalating Middle East conflict.
The telegram stipulated that the TNI must mobilise personnel and major weapons systems. The military has also been instructed to patrol vital strategic objects and economic centres, including airports, seaports, railway stations, and bus terminals.
Additionally, Jayakarta Regional Military Command (Kodam Jaya) has been ordered to conduct security patrols around foreign embassy offices in Jakarta. Intelligence units have been deployed to detect and provide early prevention against any groups potentially exploiting the Middle East situation to create domestic unrest.
TNI Headquarters Information Centre Chief Brigadier General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah did not provide further explanation regarding the specific threats cited or the duration for which Alert Status I would remain in effect. He only explained that the Alert Status I designation for all defence units aims to anticipate developments in the international, regional, and domestic environment.
“Accordingly, the TNI must maintain high operational readiness, including through conducting routine preparedness inspections,” said TNI Headquarters Information Centre Chief Brigadier General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah when contacted on Saturday, 7 March 2026.