Gov’t Issues Regulation on 2020-2024 National Defense Policy

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on 6 January 2021 signed Presidential Regulation Number 8 of 2021 on the 2020-2024 General Policy of National Defense.

The Presidential Regulation (available at jdih.setkab.go.id) was issued based on a consideration that Presidential Decree Number 97 of 2015 on the 2015-2019 General Policy of National Defense is no longer suitable for the general policy of national defense for the 2020-2024 term.

The Regulation also aims to implement the provisions of Article 13 paragraph (2) of Law Number 3 of 2002 on National Defense.

Article 1 paragraph (1) of the Regulation states that the 2020-2024 General Defense Policy constitutes a guideline for management of national defense system.

“The 2020-2024 General National Defense Policy is a reference for planning, implementing and supervising the national defense system,” paragraph (2) of the Regulation reads.

Article 2 of the Regulation states that the General Policy is directed at increasing the capability of national defense through the following measures:

First, implementation of the state defense system for land, sea and air forces by developing reserve and supporting components.

Second, development and implementation of the defense concept for large islands.

Third, implementation of accountable, transparent, and free-corruption measures in defense budget management.

Fourth, development of the the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) which has the capability of strategic deterrence and high mobility to be deployed within the jurisdiction of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and outside the jurisdiction of the Republic in the context of upholding sovereignty and protecting national interests.

Fifth, revitalization of the defense industry as a producer of advanced, strong, independent, and competitive defense and security equipment to meet the needs of national defense.

Sixth, increasing international cooperation in the field of defense and involvement in world peacekeeping missions under the United Nations (UN) and other international institutions in order to participate in maintaining world order and peace.

Seventh, increasing non-military defense capability implemented by Government Ministries, Government institutions and regional governments by optimizing the utilization of national resources for the benefit of national defense.

The 2020-2024 General Policy for National Defense covers four parts, namely general part, analysis of the strategic development, general policy foundation for national defense, and the main policies of national defense.

Article 4 paragraph (1) of the Regulation states that the General Policy is a guideline for Minister who oversees the Government affairs in the defense sector in determining policies regarding the implementation of the state defense.

“The minister who oversees the Government affairs in the defense sector coordinates the implementation of policies regarding the implementation of the state defense,” Article 4 paragraph (2) of the Regulation reads.

The General Policy also serves as a guideline for Ministers, heads of Government Institutions and regional leaders in determining policies in accordance with their respective duties, functions and authorities to protect national interests and support national policies in the defense sector.

Article 5 of the Regulation states that as from the time at which this Presidential Regulation comes into force, all laws and regulations which are implementing regulations of Presidential Regulation Number 97 of 2015 are declared to remain valid as long as they do not violate the provisions of Presidential Regulation Number 8 of 2021.

“As from the time at which this Presidential Regulation comes into force, Presidential Regulation Number 97 of 2015 on the 2015-2019 General Policy of National Defense is revoked and declared null and void,” Article 6 of the Regulation reads. (DND/UN) (RI/MUR)