President Prabowo Subianto Calls on TNI to Strengthen Readiness against Evolving Threats
President Prabowo Subianto Monday (10/05) emphasized that the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) must continue to strengthen their preparedness to respond to increasingly complex and evolving threats.
The President made the statement while presiding over the ceremony marking the 81st Anniversary of the TNI at Prima Field, TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta.
“The current global situation is marked by turbulence and profound uncertainty. We do not know when threats may arise. Today’s threats are no longer merely physical. We could come under attack and may have already be under attack, possibly through cyber networks, disinformation, and false news aimed at undermining Indonesia’s unity and creating unrest,” the President stated.
According to the President, threats to national security could also arise through economic disruption and activities that jeopardize the nation’s wealth and the lives of its people.
“Our economy is being disrupted, and our wealth is being stolen. Smuggling poses a direct threat to Indonesia. The theft and smuggling of our resources out of the country threaten our sovereignty, while the smuggling of narcotics into the country threatens the very survival of our nation,” the President said.
In response to evolving threats, the President emphasized that the TNI must continuously adapt and strengthen its capabilities. He also stressed that peacetime must be used to prepare for even the worst-case scenarios.
“Warfare today is not necessarily physical. Therefore, the TNI must continue to adapt. Keep learning and training with the most utmost dedication,” the President emphasized.
The President reiterated that the TNI must become a more professional, responsive, modern, innovative, and adaptive force. In line with technological advancements, the President stressed that mastery of technology serves as an essential value of the TNI’s readiness to face future challenges.
“The TNI must master technology and prioritize achievement. Let me emphasize once again: a great TNI is one that prioritizes achievement. The TNI must operate under a merit-based system, not one based solely on seniority,” he stated.
The President also underscored the importance of close cooperation between the TNI and other government institutions in addressing the challenges and threats facing the public.
Such readiness is vital given Indonesia’s vast territory, encompassing thousands of islands, extensive maritime areas, long borders, and numerous strategic assets that must be protected.
“Our territory is vast, with thousands of islands, extensive maritime domain, and long borders. We have numerous strategic assets to protect, and we will continue to strengthen our capabilities,” he said.
Alongside efforts to strengthen the TNI’s capabilities, the President also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the welfare of service members and their families.
“The Government will continue to pay close attention to the welfare of our soldiers, including the education of their children, access to healthcare, and the well-being of their families,” he noted.
Concluding his address, the President underscored the immense responsibility of TNI personnel to safeguard Indonesia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid evolving threats.
“Your bear an immense responsibility. The honor, sovereignty, and independence of the Indonesian nation, along with the welfare of our people, rest on your shoulders,” the President concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (YA/MEP)
