Military on Alert Status as Middle East Tensions Rise, Commander Claims It's Standard Practice

JAKARTA — Indonesian military chief General Agus Subiyanto has explained the alert status 1 order issued to all military units across the country.

Subiyanto stated that alert status 1 is standard military terminology. According to him, the alert status 1 in question is related to troops’ readiness in handling natural disasters.

“Alert status 1 is military terminology, standard military terminology. I have already implemented alert status 1 across units, specifically the rapid response disaster management forces. So each regional command has one battalion on alert status 1 should there be a natural disaster in its area,” Subiyanto said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday evening.

However, when asked whether alert status 1 was related to escalating Middle East tensions, Subiyanto did not provide a direct answer.

“Okay, thank you, that’s just standard procedure, alert status 1 is routine,” he said.

Subiyanto also clarified the gathering of tactical vehicles at Jakarta’s National Monument. He stated he was testing personnel and material readiness, specifically measuring how long it takes to mobilise forces from various regions to Jakarta.

“We’re measuring from those regions to Jakarta how many minutes it takes. If something happens in Jakarta, we can respond quickly,” Subiyanto said.

The military will assist police during the Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr holidays, he added.

“There’s no set duration for alert status 1. It’s a readiness exercise, and once completed, we conduct checks and return units to their normal status,” the four-star general added.