Prabowo: Wars Are Everywhere, Indonesia Must Strengthen Defense

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said the government will continue strengthening the country’s defence system.He said the focus on defence is driven by ongoing wars in various parts of the world.

Prabowo noted that the world is currently witnessing multiple wars and geopolitical tensions, while Indonesia remains unaffected for now.

“We are grateful to the Almighty that we are not yet involved. But we remain vigilant,” Prabowo said in Kebumen, Central Java, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, as quoted by the Presidential Secretariat.

The chair of the Gerindra Party stressed that Indonesia must maintain strong defense capabilities to protect its national wealth and resources.

“We must have strength, that’s why we are building our defense strength to protect our wealth,” he said.

Prabowo added that Indonesia currently has the capacity to manage its natural resources independently and should not be influenced or exploited by external powers.

In a previous statement in April, Prabowo said Indonesia could be among the safest countries in the event of a global conflict, including a hypothetical Third World War.

He made the remarks during a briefing at a working meeting with ministries, institutions, and state-owned enterprises at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

“Now, if a third world war were to occur, which country is safe? Indonesia is at the top of the list,” he said from the podium.

Prabowo also noted that armed conflicts are currently taking place in many parts of the world.

“Which country is not at war right now? Tell me,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing wars in the Middle East, adding that such conflicts could redirect global capital and investment flows to other regions.

According to him, this presents an opportunity for Indonesia, which is not involved in conflict and remains an attractive investment destination.

“So, brothers and sisters, the point is that we have a lot of potential,” Prabowo said.

Meanwhile, on Monday, May 18, 2026, President Prabowo handed over a range of defense equipment to the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).

The equipment included six Rafale multi-role combat aircraft produced by Dassault Aviation, four Falcon 8X aircraft also from Dassault, one Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft, GM403 Ground Control Interception (GCI) radar systems, as well as HAMMER smart weapons and Meteor missiles.

Indonesia had previously received two Falcon 8X aircraft and one Airbus A400M.

Read: Prabowo Says Government Should Stop Building More Offices

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