President Prabowo: War Is the Last Resort, but Indonesia Will Never Surrender Its Sovereignty
President Prabowo Subianto officially opened the Indo Defence 2025 Expo & Forum, held at JIEXPO Kemayoran, Jakarta, on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.
JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto affirmed that Indonesia would never choose war as a first option. However, if forced, the nation stands ready to fight for its honour and independence.
The President made the remarks whilst opening the Indo Defence 2025 Expo & Forum, attended by 1,180 exhibition participants with confirmed attendance from 42 countries.
"War is the last resort. But if we must choose, we would rather die than be colonised again. This is a noble teaching from our ancestors," he said at JIEXPO Kemayoran, Jakarta, on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.
In a firm address laden with geopolitical significance, President Prabowo stressed that strong defence is the primary foundation of national safety and sovereignty.
"The safety of a nation must be guaranteed by strong defence. No sane nation desires war. But history shows that nations which neglect their own defence will lose their sovereignty," said President Prabowo.
Carrying the theme "Defence Partnerships for Global Peace & Stability", Indo Defence 2025 is not merely a military industry exhibition but a strategic forum to strengthen global defence cooperation.
President Prabowo affirmed that Indonesia remains consistent as a non-aligned nation, upholding neutrality and the principle of sovereignty.
"The Indonesian nation declared from the outset its love for peace. But the Indonesian nation loves independence even more. We will not retreat if our sovereignty is threatened," the President stated firmly.
President Prabowo emphasised that Indonesia harbours no ambition to become an aggressive military power in the region or the world. Instead, Indonesia wishes to be known as a nation that maintains good relations with all parties — both near and distant neighbours.
"We want to be a good neighbour — to everyone, regardless of geographical distance," he said.
In this context, Indo Defence 2025 serves as an important stage for strengthening international collaboration whilst affirming that Indonesia is a peaceful power ready to defend its sovereignty.
JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto affirmed that Indonesia would never choose war as a first option. However, if forced, the nation stands ready to fight for its honour and independence.
The President made the remarks whilst opening the Indo Defence 2025 Expo & Forum, attended by 1,180 exhibition participants with confirmed attendance from 42 countries.
"War is the last resort. But if we must choose, we would rather die than be colonised again. This is a noble teaching from our ancestors," he said at JIEXPO Kemayoran, Jakarta, on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.
In a firm address laden with geopolitical significance, President Prabowo stressed that strong defence is the primary foundation of national safety and sovereignty.
"The safety of a nation must be guaranteed by strong defence. No sane nation desires war. But history shows that nations which neglect their own defence will lose their sovereignty," said President Prabowo.
Carrying the theme "Defence Partnerships for Global Peace & Stability", Indo Defence 2025 is not merely a military industry exhibition but a strategic forum to strengthen global defence cooperation.
President Prabowo affirmed that Indonesia remains consistent as a non-aligned nation, upholding neutrality and the principle of sovereignty.
"The Indonesian nation declared from the outset its love for peace. But the Indonesian nation loves independence even more. We will not retreat if our sovereignty is threatened," the President stated firmly.
President Prabowo emphasised that Indonesia harbours no ambition to become an aggressive military power in the region or the world. Instead, Indonesia wishes to be known as a nation that maintains good relations with all parties — both near and distant neighbours.
"We want to be a good neighbour — to everyone, regardless of geographical distance," he said.
In this context, Indo Defence 2025 serves as an important stage for strengthening international collaboration whilst affirming that Indonesia is a peaceful power ready to defend its sovereignty.