Deputy Head of House Defence Commission Says TNI Alert Level 1 Addresses Middle East Conflict Concerns
Indonesia’s military chief General Agus Subiyanto issued a telegram to TNI units placing them on alert level 1 to anticipate developments from the Middle East conflict situation. Deputy Head of the House Defence Commission Anton Sukartono has affirmed that the TNI alert level 1 order addresses public concerns about the conflict spreading from the Middle East.
“The ongoing conflict between Iran and America is creating concern not only for those in the conflict zone, but is also being felt by many countries, particularly regarding the potential for the conflict to expand at a regional level that could affect regional stability,” Anton told reporters on Monday, 9 March 2026.
Anton assessed that the order responds to public anxiety about the conflict spreading and said he is convinced that the TNI alert level 1 represents an expression of Indonesia’s national defence and security. “Regarding the alert level 1 order issued by the military chief, I as the head of the House Defence Commission can understand that this order represents an effort by the military chief to address these concerns,” he said.
“This can be seen as a form of mitigation against geopolitical conflict dynamics that potentially impact national defence and security. We appreciate this effort, particularly the third point regarding planning for the evacuation of Indonesian nationals in the Middle East,” he added.
Anton emphasised that the safety of Indonesian nationals is paramount and part of Indonesia’s sovereignty abroad. The Defence Commission, he stated, hopes the Foreign Ministry will work with the TNI to facilitate and guarantee the safety of Indonesian nationals currently in the Middle East.
“Strengthening intelligence aspects and early prevention measures are also very necessary to prevent potential conflict expansion that could affect our national stability,” he said. “Therefore, the step to increase TNI patrols of vital and strategic national facilities can be understood as part of efforts to maintain national stability amid a regional conflict situation full of uncertainty.”
Anton further assessed that given the highly dynamic changes in global threat dynamics, Indonesia currently needs an extraordinary approach and supports increased military equipment capability and strengthening. “However, with the issuance of this alert level 1 order, I hope it will not cause panic among the Indonesian public,” he said.
Military chief General Agus Subiyanto previously issued a telegram to TNI units to implement alert level 1 to anticipate developments in the domestic situation resulting from the impact of the conflict in the Middle East region. The TNI stated this step was taken in accordance with the TNI’s primary duties, outlined in TNI Commander Telegram Number TR/283/2026, signed by the TNI Commander’s Operations Assistant Lieutenant General Bobby Rinal Makmun on 1 March 2026.
TNI Public Affairs Chief Brigadier General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah explained that the application of alert level 1 is a TNI duty mandated by the TNI Law. He said the protection in question pertains to threats to the nation and state. “One of the TNI’s primary duties is to protect all members of the nation and all of Indonesia’s territory from threats and disturbances to the integrity of the Nation and State,” Brigadier General Aulia stated when contacted on Sunday, 8 March.