“Our history has taught us that for hundreds of years, our country was occupied by other nations, and our people, our society, our culture, and our politics were destroyed. As we became the property of other nations, our wealth was taken," Prabowo remarked at the opening of the Indo Defence Expo & Forum in Jakarta, Wednesday.
Therefore, he emphasized that investment in the defense sector is inevitable.
"Human history teaches that a nation unwilling to invest in its defense usually loses its sovereignty and independence and may become subjugated,” he cautioned.
President Prabowo stated that Indonesia is determined to build its defense sector.
“Our defense budget posture is aimed at forming a strong regional defense. We know we are not as strong as the world's superpowers, and therefore, my government's policy is non-aligned—we are neutral,” he noted.
At this year's Indo Defence Expo, Indonesia is showcasing various products of the domestic defense industry, including the Maung military electronic vehicle, Harimau medium tank, SS3 assault rifle, Red White frigate, hospital ship and landing platform deck, and modernized F-15 aircraft.
The exhibition is being held on June 11-14, 2025, at Jiexpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, with 1,180 companies from 55 countries participating.
Several countries, including Turkey, the United States, and France, are participating in this event.
Through Indo Defence, Indonesia aims for greater international recognition of its defense products.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin also expressed hope that numerous cooperation contracts would be signed between domestic and foreign defense equipment manufacturers during the event.
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Translator: Genta Tenri Mawangi, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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