RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Minister of Defense, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, held a meeting with retirees of Indonesian Military (TNI) at the Ministry of Defense office in Central Jakarta on Friday, April 24, 2026. During the meeting, they discussed various issues related to the direction of Indonesia’s national defense policy.

The Head of the Defense Information Bureau at the Secretariat General of the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, told the media in Jakarta on the same time that the meeting was an effort to foster communication between active TNI personnel and retired top-rank officers.

The meeting was also attended by TNI Chief Commander General Agus Subiyanto, Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak, Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali, and Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshal Tonny Harjono.

“The forum serves as a space to convey the latest developments regarding the direction of national defense policy, including strategies for developing TNI capabilities in the future,” Rico told reporters.

Besides, Rico said that Minister Sjafrie also listened to various inputs and perspectives from the retired TNI top-rank officers, noting that they possess valuable experience and knowledge in defense matters.

“On this occasion, it was also underscored that Indonesia’s defense policy remains grounded in constitutional principles and national interests, with an active defensive strategy oriented toward safeguarding national sovereignty without disrupting regional stability,” he conveyed.

In addition, Rico stated that the meeting also discussed various defense programs, ranging from cooperation between Indonesia and the United States to plans for increasing TNI strength.

“These updates were delivered by the Minister of Defense, particularly regarding his recent activities, including his meeting some time ago with the U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth. This was conveyed directly to the retired officers,” Rico said.

He noted that the retired top-rank officers provided input to Minister Sjafrie, which would serve as evaluation material, including the issue of the U.S. request for blanket overflight access.

“This is one of the forums for receiving such inputs. Retired top-rank officers certainly have strong considerations and analyses, which may later also be discussed with relevant ministries and institutions, as well as with the House of Representatives, regarding the letter of intent,” Rico said.

Furthermore, he noted that Sjafrie also outlined plans for future TNI force development, including the construction of lots of territorial development battalions each year. “That is part of what was explained by the Minister of Defense and the TNI Commander regarding future force development, with a plan to build 150 territorial development battalions annually,” he said.

“It (The meeting) also includes updates on peacekeeping forces, particularly in Lebanon. These were among the inputs from senior officers for future evaluation, including current developments in southern Lebanon and geopolitical developments in the Strait of Hormuz,” he said. (AF)