Prabowo: Wars Everywhere, We Must Build Defence

President Prabowo Subianto said he would continue to build Indonesia’s defence system. He wants to focus on defence because wars are taking place around the world.

Prabowo said the world is currently seeing many disputes and wars everywhere. ‘We are grateful to the Almighty, we are not involved yet. But we are vigilant,’ Prabowo said in Kebumen, Central Java, on Saturday 23 May 2026, as broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat.

The General Chairman of the Gerindra Party said Indonesia must have the power to safeguard the nation’s wealth. ‘We must have power, that’s why we are building our defence capability to protect our wealth,’ Prabowo said.

He stated that Indonesia currently is capable of managing its own natural resources. Therefore, he said, the country must not be manipulated or exploited by certain parties or countries.

In April, Prabowo said Indonesia is among the safest nations if World War III were to occur. He judged that Indonesia’s conditions are better than many other countries.

Prabowo expressed these views during a briefing at a working meeting with the ranks of ministries, agencies, and SOEs at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, 8 April 2026. ‘Now, if World War III occurs, which country is safe? Indonesia is among the top,’ Prabowo said from the podium.

According to Prabowo, wars are now taking place everywhere. ‘Which country is not at war now? Let me know,’ he said.

Prabowo highlighted wars also taking place in the Middle East. Because of the wars, according to Prabowo, money and capital from this region will move to other regions.

Prabowo sees this situation as an opportunity for Indonesia, which is not at war. Indonesia, he said, is one of the most sought-after investment destinations. ‘So, brothers and sisters, the bottom line is that we have enormous potential,’ he said.

On Monday, 18 May 2026, President Prabowo handed over various defence assets to the Indonesian National Armed Forces. The assets included six Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) Rafale aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation; four Falcon 8X aircraft produced by Dassault; one Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft; and the Ground Control Interception (GCI) GM403 radar; as well as the Hammer smart weapon and missiles, or Meteor missiles. Indonesia had previously received two Falcon 8X aircraft and one Airbus A400M.