President Prabowo Emphasizes Importance of National Defense amid Global Geopolitical Tensions

President Prabowo Subianto convenes a meeting with several high-ranking officers of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and members of the Red and White Cabinet at his private residence in Hambalang, Bogor regency, West Java province, on Friday (08/01). (Photo by: BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto summoned several high-ranking officers of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and ministers of the Red and White Cabinet to his private residence in Hambalang, Bogor regency, West Java province, on Friday (08/01). The closed-door meeting, held around a roundtable, focused on recent developments in the country amid shifting global geopolitical and geo-economic dynamics.

In a written statement, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the President reaffirmed the strategic importance of the defense sector as the main pillar of the continuity of the state. “Defense is a vital matter for the survival of our nation and state,” the Cabinet Secretary said.

The Cabinet Secretary also stated that President Prabowo touched on the true meaning of independence, particularly in the lead-up to the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day. The President emphasized that a strong defense is not only a symbol of sovereignty but also a key instrument for safeguarding the nation’s natural wealth.

“If a country truly seeks independence and prosperity, it must possess the strength to defend itself — including the ability to protect its natural resources,” the Cabinet Secretary wrote.

The meeting was part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure national security and defend the sovereignty, particularly amid the evolving global challenges. (BPMI SETPRES) (AP/MMB)