Indo Defence 2025, a defense equipment exhibition, marks a milestone for Indonesia in building its defense capabilities as an integral part of national development and its international standing.
When President Prabowo Subianto took office in October 2024, the world witnessed a rapid shift in geopolitical dynamics.
Amid the turmoil in global peace, Indo Defence reflects a collective awareness that strength and peace do not negate each other but instead support each other.
When opening Indo Defence 2025 at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, on June 11, Prabowo emphasized that defense plays a vital role in securing independence and prosperity.
The president pointed out that history shows nations lacking commitment to defense risk losing their sovereignty.
Conversely, he pointed out that no sensible nation seeks war, but that being prepared is a mark of prudent governance.
He stated that today's world, with its scientific and technological advancements, demands commensurate protection.
Nowadays, investment in the defense sector extends beyond tanks and fighter jets, encompassing cyber defense, digital command systems, and the development of artificial intelligence technology to counter hybrid threats.
Indo Defense 2025 embodies that spirit by presenting 1,180 participants from 42 countries under the theme "Defence Partnerships for Global Peace & Stability."
Deputy Minister of Defense Air Marshall Donny Ermawan Taufanto stated that the forum is more than just a military business event.
He stressed global stability and peace are highly sought after.
“If there is no peace, a country will not be stable. With such a condition, prosperity becomes meaningless,” he stated.
This statement underscored that the exhibition is not merely transactional, but rather defense diplomacy in the most strategic sense.
Wide impact
Since first being held in 2004, Indo Defence has grown into a world-class event without relying on the state budget.
This demonstrates that defense activities can be managed professionally and efficiently, as well as bring a wide impact.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin emphasized this while reviewing readiness for the exhibition's opening.
With proper preparation, Indonesia can showcase its defense capabilities in the best way at the global level, he stated.
Moreover, this event serves not only as a major industrial platform but also as a venue for scientific and educational collaboration.
Three main forums were held at the event: Asymmetric Warfare Technology, Advancement in Cyber Warfare, and Innovation in Dismounted Soldier System.
These were followed by Technical Product Presentations from the land, sea, air, and cybersecurity sectors, as well as open sessions discussing topics such as National MRO Capacity, N219 aircraft, AI-based aviation, and cyber awareness.
All of this demonstrates that defense is not just about tools and weapons but also about thought and innovation.
The exhibition is open to the public on June 14, 2025, as part of the defense literacy strategy. This step is seen as important as the public also deserves access to information about the defense sector.
This industry has demonstrated its economic impact by encouraging employment, stimulating investment, strengthening exports, and even boosting the tourism sector. Hotels, transportation, and local MSMEs also benefit from the delegates’ visit to Indo Defence 2025.
Several agreements were also reached at Indo Defence 2025, including the signing of 27 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between state-owned defense companies, private players, and foreign defense firms, totaling Rp33 trillion (US$1.9 billion) on June 11.
During the event, the president also launched the MV3 EV electric tactical vehicle produced by the state-owned defense equipment manufacturer, PT Pindad, named Pandu.
The MV3 Tactical EV is a 4x4 electric-powered tactical vehicle based on the MV3 platform, which has been adapted into several variants, including the MV3 Garuda Limousine (the official presidential vehicle) and the Maung MV3 series in Tangguh or Spartan, Jelajah, and Komando versions.
The MV3 Tactical EV reflects PT Pindad's commitment as a defense industry leader in innovating and adopting environmentally friendly technology.
This vehicle is expected to contribute to the future development of Indonesia's national electric vehicle industry.
Defense diplomacy
President Prabowo highlighted the importance of community involvement in this event. This expo is expected to provide opportunities for both the domestic defense industry and those of friendly countries.
Amid regional challenges and global tensions, events such as Indo Defence provide a platform for collaboration, not conflict; they are not arenas for military posturing, but spaces for exchanging ideas on using technology as a tool for peace.
Defense Minister Sjamsoeddin remarked that several Indonesian defense products have been produced domestically, signalling progress in the domestic defense industry ecosystem.
A new generation of technocrats is emerging, and Indo Defence provides a stage for them to showcase their abilities. Thus, Indo Defence is not only for the military elite but also inspires students, researchers, young innovators, and the general public.
A nation's strength is measured not only by the number of its defense equipment but also by its capacity to maintain its knowledge, technology, and self-esteem.
Indo Defence 2025 exemplifies that strength can exist without threat, technology can advance without domination, and diplomacy can flourish through strategic cooperation between countries.
This represents the new face of Indonesia: sovereign, dignified, and able to position itself elegantly amid global uncertainty.
With its broad aspects, Indo Defence 2025 is more than an exhibition. It is a manifestation of the ideals in the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution —to help create a world order based on freedom, lasting peace, and social justice.
This event stands as a stage for defense diplomacy that is rooted in history, forward-looking, and driven by a sincere intention to be part of the solution, not the problem.
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Translator: Hanni Sofia, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Arie Novarina
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
