Why is the Defence Minister Gathering TNI's Elder Generals?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Why did the Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin gather several retired generals of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) at the Ministry of Defence office? The retired generals convened at the Indonesian Ministry of Defence office on Jl Medan Merdeka Barat, Jakarta, on Friday (24/4/2026). These former generals were seen arriving at the location before 09.00 WIB. Several strategic issues related to defence were the main topics of the meeting, particularly those concerning Indonesia’s interests amid the current geopolitical situation. “I will convey one essential matter that the TNI elders may need to know, which is certainly very much related to strategic defence,” said Sjafrie at the meeting location of the retired TNI generals. “This national defence strategy is also inseparable from the principles of state governance, namely those related to the constitution and also related to national interests,” said Sjafrie before starting the meeting. Another important topic of the main discussion was Sjafrie’s meeting with the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Monday (13/4/2026). “That was updated by Defence Minister Sjafrie regarding the activities he carried out, especially the most recent one with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth some time ago,” said the Head of the Defence Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, at the meeting location. Rico emphasised that the Letter of Intent (LoI) or letter of intent regarding air transit permission is still being internally reviewed by the Indonesian government. Everyone at the meeting provided input and analysis on the developing situation. This air transit permission is not included in the Major Defence Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) agreement between the two countries. After seeking views from the retirees, the Ministry of Defence will discuss with the DPR and relevant ministries/institutions to further discuss the LoI from the US.