Jakarta, October 5, 2026 – The Europe Today: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has stressed the need to continuously strengthen the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) amid growing volatility and uncertainty in the global security environment.
Addressing a ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the TNI at the TNI Headquarters in Jakarta on Monday, President Prabowo said Indonesia’s vast territory, extensive maritime areas, thousands of islands, long borders and strategic assets require strong and capable defence forces.
He said the TNI’s primary responsibility is to safeguard the Indonesian people, territory and national wealth across the country, while stressing that Indonesia respects all nations and has no intention of interfering in the affairs of other countries.
However, Prabowo made clear that Indonesia would not tolerate threats against its sovereignty and emphasized that the TNI is being developed primarily for national self-defence and the protection of the people.
The president noted that contemporary security threats are no longer limited to conventional or physical attacks. Indonesia is also facing challenges including cyberattacks, disinformation, fake news and the smuggling of national resources, which he described as threats to national sovereignty.
Prabowo called on TNI personnel to continuously learn, train and adapt to emerging security challenges. He emphasized the need for the armed forces to become increasingly professional, responsive, modern, innovative and technologically capable.
He also called for a merit-based system within the TNI, saying professional achievement and competence should be prioritized rather than seniority alone.
The remarks came as Indonesia marked the TNI’s 81st anniversary, during which President Prabowo also inaugurated 204 new military units as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s defence structure.
