Indonesian Military Chief Issues Alert Order Amid Middle East Conflict Escalation
Indonesia’s Military Chief General Agus Subiyanto has begun ordering personnel across his command to raise alert status to Level 1 and prepare anticipatory measures in response to the escalating situation resulting from the Middle East conflict.
The order is contained in Military Chief Telegram Number TR/283/2026, signed by the Assistant for Operations to the Military Chief, Lieutenant General Bobby Rinal Makmun on 1 March 2026.
The directive contains seven instructions requiring units to raise alert status and prepare strategic measures domestically should the escalation resulting from the Iran, United States and Israel conflict continue unabated.
First, the Commander of the Main Command for Operations (Pangkotamaops) of the Indonesian Armed Forces is instructed to deploy personnel and equipment to conduct patrols at strategic vital objects and economic centres. Vital objects include airports, seaports and riverports, railway stations, bus terminals, and important facilities such as the national electricity company’s offices and others.
Second, the National Air Defence Command (Kohanudnas) is instructed to conduct continuous air surveillance for 24 hours.
Third, the Indonesian Armed Forces Strategic Intelligence Agency (Bais) is instructed to order defence attachés of the Republic of Indonesia in countries affected by the conflict to document and map the conditions of Indonesian citizens, and to prepare evacuation plans if necessary. Bais is instructed to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Indonesian Embassies and relevant authorities in accordance with the escalation in the Middle East region.
Fourth, the Jaya Regional Military Command (Kodam Jaya) is instructed to intensify patrols at various strategic vital objects and embassy compound areas to maintain security and stability in Jakarta.
Fifth, Indonesian Armed Forces intelligence units are instructed to conduct early detection and prevention of potential groups that may exploit the Middle East situation to create domestic instability.
Sixth, the Armed Forces Central Executive Body (Balakpus) is instructed to implement readiness measures at their respective units.
Seventh, all situation developments must be immediately reported to the Military Chief.
Head of Military Information Centre (Kapuspen) Brigadier General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah confirmed the Military Chief’s Telegram. In accordance with the mandate of law, Aulia said, one of the primary duties of the Armed Forces is to protect the entire nation and all Indonesian territory from threats and disturbances to national integrity and the state.
“Accordingly, the Armed Forces must possess high operational readiness, one aspect of which is implementing regular readiness check roll calls,” said Aulia when contacted on Sunday, 8 March.