President Calls on Indonesian Military to Strengthen Adaptive Defense

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia's honor, sovereignty, and independence, as well as the welfare of its people, rest on the shoulders of the Indonesian Military (TNI), calling on soldiers to safeguard the country's territory, people, and national wealth.

"Let us continue working to protect our nation's resources so they can be utilized for the benefit of all Indonesians," President Prabowo said during the 81st anniversary ceremony of the TNI at PRIMA Field, TNI Headquarters, in Jakarta on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The President said Indonesian soldiers bear a significant responsibility in protecting the nation's honor, sovereignty, independence, and public welfare. He called on the TNI to defend the country and its people from Sabang to Merauke and from Miangas to Rote Island.

President Prabowo urged soldiers to continue serving with honor and to always stand with the people. "Continue to guard Indonesia with courage," he said.

President Prabowo reiterated that Indonesia does not seek conflict with any nation and respects all countries, but does not want to be disturbed. He said the TNI was established to defend the nation and protect its people.

President Prabowo described Indonesia as a large archipelagic nation with thousands of islands, vast maritime territory, long borders, and numerous strategic assets that must be protected. He added that Indonesia would continue to strengthen its defense capabilities.

The President also warned that the world is facing growing uncertainty and that threats to national sovereignty are no longer limited to conventional attacks.

According to President Prabowo, Indonesia is increasingly facing cyberattacks, disinformation, fake news, and the smuggling of national assets, all of which pose risks to the country's sovereignty.

Therefore, President Prabowo urged the TNI to continue learning and training to become a professional, responsive, modern, innovative, and adaptive defense force. "Modern warfare does not necessarily take a physical form. Therefore, the TNI must continue to adapt by learning and training," President Prabowo said.

He added that peacetime should be used to prepare for various contingencies, including worst-case scenarios. To meet evolving challenges, soldiers must be able to master technological developments. "The TNI must now master technology. The TNI must now prioritize excellence," he said.

President Prabowo also called for personnel development within the military to prioritize merit and capability rather than seniority alone.

The President further stressed that loyalty within the TNI should not be confined to narrow interests, including loyalty based on military branches, but should be directed toward the nation and the state.

President Prabowo also urged the TNI to strengthen synergy with ministries, agencies, and regional administrations to help address public concerns and support government programs.

"The strength and capabilities of the TNI must be able to accelerate the implementation of government programs and overcome the various tangible difficulties faced by the people," he said.

President Prabowo added that the government would continue to prioritize the welfare of soldiers and their families while urging TNI personnel to continue serving with honor and remain close to the people. ***