Global Uncertainty: Prabowo Promises Continued Strengthening of Air, Navy, and Army

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that a strong defence is a prerequisite for Indonesia to face various global challenges and protect national strategic interests. Consequently, the modernisation of the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ (TNI) main weapons systems (alutsista) has become an absolute necessity.

“Looking at the state of the world, geopolitics is full of uncertainty, and we know that defence is the primary requirement for stability and a guarantee that we can remain sovereign,” said Prabowo during a speech at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, East Jakarta, on Monday (18/5/2026). The President was accompanied by Minister of Defence Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Commander of the TNI General Agus Subiyanto, and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono.

Prabowo emphasised that the government will continue to develop defence capabilities in a gradual and sustainable manner. This strengthening focus encompasses the security of all military branches, including the Air Force, Navy, and Army.

“In the future, we will continue to build our strength. We want to secure our airspace, our maritime territory, and certainly our land territory,” added the former Minister of Defence (2019-2024).