Prabowo Urges TNI to be Adaptive: Threats are No Longer Just Physical, but Cyber-based

President Prabowo Subianto has highlighted the current state of global volatility, noting that threats are no longer limited to physical forms but also extend to the cyber realm, which can potentially divide the nation.

“The world today is showing great turbulence and uncertainty. We do not know when threats against us will become a reality. Nowadays, threats are not only physical,” said Prabowo during his address at the 81st Anniversary of the TNI at TNI Headquarters, Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Monday (5/10/2026).

“We can be attacked, and attacks have already begun through cyber means, through disinformation, and through fake news that always seeks to divide Indonesia and create chaos,” he continued.

Prabowo further noted that threats to national sovereignty arise from all aspects. He cited examples ranging from economic disruptions to ongoing smuggling activities.

“Our economy is being disrupted, and our wealth is being stolen. Smuggling is a threat to the Indonesian nation. Outward smuggling, where our wealth is stolen, is a threat to our sovereignty. Inward smuggling, such as narcotics, is a threat to the very survival of our nation,” he stated.

Consequently, Prabowo urged TNI personnel to continuously learn and adapt. According to him, periods of peace should serve as preparation for facing even the worst possible threats.

“Brothers and sisters, modern warfare is not necessarily physical in form. Therefore, the TNI must continuously adapt, learn, learn, learn, and train, train, train. The era of peace is the preparation for facing even the most severe threats,” he said.

Prabowo demanded that TNI soldiers become a professional, responsive, modern, innovative, and adaptive force. He stated that the TNI must master technology and prioritise achievement rather than relying on a system of seniority.

“I emphasise once again, a great TNI is one that prioritises achievement. The system within the TNI must be a merit-based system, not merely a system of seniority, or narrow systems such as narrow loyalty or rank-based loyalty,” he remarked.

He also requested that the TNI be capable of cooperating and synergising with ministries, agencies, the central government, and local governments. He asserted that the strength of the TNI should be able to accelerate the implementation of government programmes.

“The strength and capability of the TNI must be able to accelerate the execution of government programmes and overcome the various real difficulties faced by the people,” he concluded.