Furore as Commander Orders Level-1 Readiness for TNI Soldiers; Here's the Headquarters’ Response

Jakarta — The Head of Information Centre (Kapuspen) of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Brigadier General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah responded to questions about the Level-1 readiness status of the TNI based on a Telegram from the Commander-in-Chief circulating. To ANTARA, on Saturday, he said the TNI’s primary task is to protect the country and its people from foreign threats. ‘The TNI performs its duties professionally and responsively, demonstrated by continually maintaining capability and strength so as to be operationally ready, and ready to be on alert to anticipate developments in the international, regional, and national strategic environment,’ Nasrullah said in response to confirmation questions about the Level-1 readiness. Nasrullah continued that one of the measures the TNI is taking to strengthen national defence is to hold regular parades to check troops’ readiness. However, when ANTARA sought confirmation on the veracity of the Level-1 status again, he did not provide an answer. Previously, information circulated in the public about the Commander-in-Chief’s Telegram numbered TR/283/2026. The Telegram reportedly contained Level-1 readiness instructions for all TNI ranks to anticipate escalation of conflict in the Middle East. There were seven points listed in the telegram. One point was that the TNI’s Operational Main Command (Pangkotamaops) would mobilise personnel and weapon systems under its command and conduct patrols of vital (obvit) strategic centres and economic hubs. This included airports, sea/river ports, railway stations, and bus terminals, as well as PLN offices.