Prabowo Calls for Modern, Adaptive TNI to Counter Evolving Security Threats
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has called for the country’s armed forces to strengthen their technological capabilities and adapt to increasingly complex threats, including cyberattacks, disinformation, economic disruption and smuggling.
JAKARTA, Oct 7 — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has called on the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI), Indonesia’s national armed forces, to become a more professional, responsive, modern and adaptive force as the country faces an increasingly complex security environment.
Speaking at the 81st anniversary of the TNI at TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, Jakarta, Prabowo said threats to national security were no longer limited to conventional military attacks.
He said Indonesia was facing threats through cyberspace, disinformation and false information, alongside economic disruption and smuggling. “War now does not necessarily take a physical form. Therefore, the TNI must continue to adapt. Learn, learn, learn and train, train, train,” Prabowo said.
The President said the changing nature of threats required the armed forces to strengthen their capabilities and make greater use of technological advances.
He stressed that the TNI needed to master technology while placing greater emphasis on achievement and capability rather than seniority. Prabowo also highlighted economic and cross-border threats, saying disruption to Indonesia’s economy and the theft of the country’s wealth could affect national sovereignty.
He specifically cited smuggling as a threat, including the movement of narcotics into Indonesia and the illegal movement of the country’s natural resources out of the country.
Indonesia’s geography also requires the TNI to maintain broad operational readiness, he said, pointing to the country’s thousands of islands, extensive maritime territory, long borders and strategic assets that require protection.
Prabowo said the TNI would continue strengthening its capabilities while working with other government institutions to address emerging threats.
He also said the government would continue to pay attention to the welfare of military personnel and their families, including education, healthcare and other family needs.
The President’s remarks came as Indonesia marked the TNI’s 81st anniversary, with the government continuing efforts to modernise the armed forces and strengthen their ability to respond to changing security challenges.
