Strengthening Defence, Prabowo: Geopolitical Conditions Full of Uncertainty

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that geopolitical conditions are currently fraught with uncertainty. Consequently, the government will continue to strengthen national defence to safeguard Indonesia’s stability and sovereignty.

“We know that geopolimentation is full of uncertainty, and we know that defence is a primary requirement for stability and our guarantee of sovereignty,” he said at the Halim Perdanakusuma Base Ops, East Jakarta, on Monday (18/5/2026).

He emphasised that the government will continue to build defence capabilities in the coming period. “That is the essence; in the future, we will continue to build our strength. We will secure our airspace, sea, and land,” he explained.

An array of military hardware (alutsista) was displayed at the Halim Perdanakusuma Base Ops apron in East Jakarta. The military equipment was arranged in a triangular formation. At the forefront was the French-made Rafale fighter jet. Its presence marks a new addition to the Indonesian Air Force’s strength, particularly for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities. Positioned alongside the Rafale were the Meteor missile and the Smart Weapon Hammer, which serve as the aircraft’s primary armament. The sleek aircraft is prepared to support strategic mobility, command missions, and aerial surveillance.

At the two rear corners, two A400M transport aircraft were positioned, including one unit that was previously handed over in November 2025. These transport aircraft are projected to strengthen the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ strategic transport capabilities, including the distribution of troops and logistics.