What the Defence Minister Discussed in Meeting with Retired Military Officers
Defence Minister (Menhan) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met with several TNI retirees at the Ministry of Defence (Kemhan) office. They discussed a number of strategic issues regarding Indonesia’s defence strategy and cooperation.
As summarised by detikcom on Saturday (25/4/2026), the meeting took place at the Kemhan building in Central Jakarta on Friday (24/4). TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali, and Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak were also present.
TNI retirees in attendance included (Retired) General Wiranto, (Retired) General Gatot Nurmantyo, (Retired) General Andika Muhammad Perkasa, (Retired) General Dudung Abdurachman, and (Retired) General Agum Gumelar.
“I will convey one essential matter that perhaps needs to be known by the TNI elders, which of course is very much related to defence strategy,” said Sjafrie in his presentation.
Sjafrie stated that the defence strategy prioritises national interests. According to him, defence is inseparable from the principles of state governance.
“The state’s defence strategy is also inseparable from the principles of state governance, namely those related to the constitution and also related to national interests,” he said.
The following TNI retirees attended the meeting at Kemhan:
TNI Army Retirees
(Retired) General Wiranto
(Retired) General Gatot Nurmantyo
(Retired) General Andika Muhammad Perkasa
(Retired) General Agustadi Sasongko
(Retired) General Dudung Abdurachman
(Retired) General Agum Gumelar
(Retired) Lieutenant General Kiki Syahnakri
(Retired) Lieutenant General Valentinus Suhartono Suratman
(Retired) Lieutenant General Djamari Chaniago
(Retired) Lieutenant General Fadillah
(Retired) Lieutenant General Bambang Darmono
TNI Navy Retirees
(Retired) Admiral Agus Suhartono
(Retired) Admiral Yudo Margono
(Retired) Admiral Siwi Sukma Adji
(Retired) Admiral Marsetio
(Retired) Admiral Ade Supandi
(Retired) Lieutenant General (Marine) Muhammad Alfan Baharudin
TNI Air Force Retirees
(Retired) Marshal Djoko Suyanto
(Retired) Marshal Imam Sufaat
(Retired) Marshal Ida Bagus Putu Dunia
(Retired) Marshal Agus Supriatna
(Retired) Air Marshal Imran Baidirus
(Retired) Air Marshal Hadiyan Sumintaatmadja.
Discussion on Indonesia-US Defence Cooperation
Head of Information at the Kemhan Secretariat, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, initially explained that the meeting was an effort to strengthen communication between active TNI generations and retirees. The meeting was also attended by TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali, and Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak.
“This forum serves as a space to convey the latest developments regarding the direction of national defence policy, including strategies for developing TNI strength in the future,” said Rico to reporters after the meeting at the Ministry of Defence in Central Jakarta on Friday (24/4/2026).
Rico said Sjafrie also listened to various inputs and views from the TNI retirees. He noted that the retirees possess experience and knowledge about defence matters.
“In this opportunity, it was also emphasised that Indonesia’s defence policy remains grounded in constitutional principles and national interests with an active defensive strategy oriented towards maintaining state sovereignty without disrupting existing regional stability,” he explained.
Rico mentioned that the meeting discussed various defence programmes, from cooperation between Indonesia and the US to plans for enhancing TNI strength.
“This was updated by Mr Defence Minister Sjafrie regarding the activities he has undertaken, particularly the most recent one with the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, some time ago. This was conveyed directly to the retirees,” said Rico.
Listening to TNI Retirees’ Views on US Request for Overflight
Rico said the retirees provided many inputs to Sjafrie. He stated that these inputs would serve as material for evaluation, including on the US request for overflight.
“This is one of the forums as part of the inputs received. The retirees certainly have considerations and very good analyses, so they may also be discussed with relevant ministries and agencies, with the DPR, regarding that letter of intent,” said Rico.
He mentioned that Sjafrie also conveyed plans for building TNI strength in the future. He said there are plans to add 150 territorial development battalions each year.
“This includes explanations by Mr Defence Minister and Mr TNI Commander about building TNI strength in the future, and plans to build 150 territorial development battalions every year,” he said.
“Including developments in peacekeeping forces, particularly in Lebanon. This includes inputs from the seniors for future evaluations on how to proceed, including with developments in southern Lebanon, as well as geopolitical developments in the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.