Mahfud Suspicious of Serious Matter Behind TNI Alert Status One

Former Coordinator Minister for Politics, Law, and Security Mahfud Md stated that the implementation of Alert Status One by the TNI Commander should be justified, yet the public remains unaware of the reasons behind the escalation.

“If they have implemented Alert Status One, there may be something serious. I and all of us do not know right now,” he said on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

He noted that the Alert Status One was implemented without first going through Alert Status Three or Two. Mahfud explained that Alert Status One means all of the nation’s military forces are ordered to full alert for 24 hours. Alert Status Two, by contrast, means some TNI forces are assigned to work 24 hours whilst others work normally. “Alert Status Three means nothing particular, just routine duties,” he said.

Mahfud doubted that Alert Status One was implemented as a precautionary measure against large-scale demonstrations in the country. He cited his experience whilst serving as Coordinator Minister under President Joko Widodo. “In those times there were several massive demonstrations but we never reached alert status. Not even Alert Status Two. We only held ad hoc task assignment meetings,” he said.

Mahfud stated that Alert Status One should be announced to the public for clarity. However, he also noted that if the announcement could create problems, it need not be made public. “Unless there is something dangerous because that information is being kept secret first. The President knows,” he said.

A military telegram signed by the TNI Commander’s Operations Assistant (Asops), Lieutenant General Bobby Rinal Makmun, on 1 March 2026 in Jakarta contained seven important instructions for the TNI, including orders to deploy personnel and major weapons systems, as well as directives to deploy troops for patrols at strategic locations in Jakarta. The alert status remained in effect from the date of issuance until completion.

TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto stated that Alert Status One was implemented as a precautionary measure, a routine procedure for the Indonesian military. He noted that Alert Status One is standard military terminology frequently used. The TNI often implements Alert Status One for rapid response units during natural disaster management, such as when a regional military command establishes Alert Status One for a battalion during natural disasters in its area.

Agus stated that the TNI would test personnel readiness and mobilise material needs during this alert status. He said that the recent mobilisation of tactical vehicles and troops from regions to Jakarta was part of such exercises. “This is routine for Alert Status One,” he said when asked whether the measure was related to Middle Eastern conflict, speaking at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.