TNI Commander Issues Telegram Declaring Alert Level I Following US Attack on Iran
The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Chief General Agus Subiyanto has declared Alert Level I for all defence units in Indonesia. The decision, taken amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, was confirmed by the TNI Strategic Intelligence Agency (Bais) Chief Lieutenant General Yudi Abdimantyo. “The Alert Level I issued by the TNI Commander is addressed to all TNI elements, including Bais TNI,” Yudi told Tempo on Saturday, 7 March 2026.
Alert Level I in TNI command represents the highest level of readiness, where all personnel must be stationed at their bases, fully equipped with weapons, ammunition, and vehicles, to face an emergency threat.
According to Yudi, the purpose of the Alert Level I issued by the commander is to pre-empt domestic security developments in the wake of the US and Israel attack on Iran. The attack prompted Iranian retaliation, which saw strikes against several US military bases in Middle Eastern countries. As a result, those retaliatory attacks affected the safety of Indonesian nationals (WNI) in the region.
“TNI, as the frontline guardian of NKRI sovereignty, must anticipate every development. This applies to global, regional, and national spheres,” Yudi stated.
Specifically regarding Bais, Yudi explained that the telegram directs this intelligence unit to instruct all Indonesian Defence Attachés in the region to map and record Indonesians present in those countries. He noted that approximately 541,511 Indonesians reside in the affected areas.
The areas referred to include Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.
“In this regard, Bais TNI, together with related parties, will cooperate to secure Indonesians and conduct safe and orderly evacuation if required,” Yudi added.
As a follow-up to the telegram, Yudi added that Bais will also collaborate with all intelligence stakeholders to carry out early detection of possible domestic threats, including around foreign embassies located in Jakarta, such as the United States Embassy.
Domestic security by Bais will be conducted in a closed manner. “As an intelligence element, Bais TNI will carry out closed protections together with other intelligence units.”
The Head of Public Information at the Indonesian National Armed Forces (Mabes TNI), Brigadier General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, had not responded to requests for confirmation regarding the commander’s telegram on Alert Level I.
Earlier, Republika reported on 7 March 2026 that the telegram document was signed by the Commander’s Operations Assistant (Asops) Lieutenant General Bobby Rinal Makmun in Jakarta on 1 March 2026. The document contained seven important orders for the TNI. First, the Commander of Main Operational Command (Pangkotamaops) must mobilise personnel and main weapon system assets under its command and conduct patrols at vital strategic objects and economic hubs, such as airports, seaports, river ports, railway stations, and bus terminals, as well as PLN offices.
Second, the National Air Defence Command (Kohanudnas) must carry out continuous 24-hour early detection and air surveillance. Third, instruct Bais TNI to ensure the security of Indonesians abroad. Fourth, order the Jayakarta Command (Kodam Jaya/Jayakarta) to patrol strategic locations and embassies and to anticipate developments to maintain conduciveness in the Jakarta area. Fifth, TNI intelligence units must conduct early detection and prevention of groups at vital strategic sites and embassies and anticipate developments to maintain conduciveness in Jakarta. Sixth, the Balakpus (Central Implementing Agency) must remain on alert in its units. Seventh, report any developments to the Commander in a timely manner. The Alert Level I status applies from the issuance of the letter until its conclusion. “This telegram is an order,” according to Republika’s report on Saturday, 7 March 2026.