Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the First Session of the National Defense Council at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, February 7, 2025

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Asalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Good afternoon,

May prosperity be upon us all,

Shalom,

Salve,

Om Swastiastu,

Namo Buddhaya,

Greetings of Virtue.

Distinguished Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Coordinating Ministers, Ministers of the Red and White Cabinet, Attorney General, Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), Chief of the Indonesian National Police, Army Chief of Staff (KSAD), Navy Chief of Staff (KSAL), Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU);

Distinguished permanent members of the National Defense Council and strategic experts in the defense industry.

First and foremost, as devout individuals, let us never cease to express our gratitude to the Almighty God, Allah SWT, for His countless blessings. It is by His grace that we are granted health and the opportunity to gather in this great venue today to hold a highly significant event—the First Session of the National Defense Council.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As previously mentioned by the Daily Chair, the establishment of the National Defense Council is mandated by Law Number 3 of 2002 on National Defense, particularly Article 15, which stipulates the formation of this council. However, it is only in 2024, which means 22 years after the law was enacted—that we have been able to formally realize this mandate. This marks a crucial milestone in strengthening our national defense strategy in accordance with the law.

Esteemed Guests,

In this regard, I would like to emphasize, as conveyed earlier, that defense is a fundamental pillar of any nation. In fact, the opening of the 1945 Constitution clearly states that the foremost national objective is to protect the Indonesian people and its territory. The first principle is the principle of protection, meaning the principle of defense.

So, Ladies and Gentlemen, in conducting state affairs, as I have said several times, that statecraft or state governance consists of ideology perspectives and prosperity perspectives. However, what is currently most popular, emerging as the prevailing approach, is statecraft based on the principle of realism. The ultimate goal of the state is the survival of our nation.

That concludes my remarks, thank you to all members of the media.

(RIF/MMB)