President Prabowo: Defense Force is Important in Safeguarding Country

President Prabowo Subianto gives his remarks before the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) Unit Commanders at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Friday (02/07). (Photo by: BPMI Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto Friday (02/07) underscored the importance of defense force in maintaining the country’s sovereignty.

“We cannot protect the country with just good intentions, words, writings, or theories. Protection comes with force. If a country wants to be independent and prosper, then it must have the force to protect itself and all its natural resources,” President Prabowo said before the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) Unit Commanders at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java.

According to the President, the founding fathers had determined that the protection of the people was the main goal of the nation as embedded in the preamble of the 1945 Constitution. He also added that recent global conflicts show that large countries may collapse if they do not have a strong defense system.

“We must be grateful that our leaders have maintained our country without involving other countries,” he added.

In the meantime, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto expressed appreciation for the President’s attention to the TNI’s development, including the formation of Territorial Battalions, increasing the number of battalions, and modernizing primary weapons system.

“We will continue to be committed and loyal to carry out national priority programs as an elaboration of the second Asta Cita that the President has initiated. The TNI plays an active role in encouraging the realization of food security by utilizing idle land in regions throughout Indonesia,” Agus said.

The Commander also stated that the TNI has increased border security operations that have succeeded in thwarting smuggling attempts, including drugs and human trafficking. In addition, the TNI also continues to strengthen the role of military diplomacy through regional cooperation, joint exercises, and humanitarian aid operations.

“The diplomacy aims to improve bilateral and multilateral relations, strengthen regional security cooperation and create regional stability,” Agus said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/DNS) (GWH/MUR)