This was conveyed while leading an Operational Troop Deployment and Military Honors Ceremony in West Bandung, West Java, on Sunday.
"Indonesia does not want to side with any bloc. For that reason, there is no other choice, Indonesia must have a very strong defense," he stressed at the ceremony, monitored online here.
In his remarks, the President highlighted that even though Indonesia does not favor wars, in reality, armed conflicts are occurring in various parts of the world.
He reminded that Indonesia's free and active, non-aligned foreign policy does not mean that Indonesia can be complacent.
Related news: Indonesia steps up defense diplomacy amid rising global tensions
In fact, he continued, that position must make the country have a strong defense so as not to be mistreated by the world's great powers.
Earlier, President Prabowo reaffirmed that the Indonesian government remains firmly committed to calm approaches in addressing global challenges and uncertainties.
“We negotiate, we engage in dialogue, and we avoid emotion-driven measures. We are aware that this country has major interests, and it is the government’s duty to protect the Indonesian people,” he stated during the Plenary Cabinet Meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday (August 6).
Related news: No nation can be independent without a strong military: Prabowo
Related news: Indonesian govt to strengthen digital defense, access
Translator: Andi Firdaus, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
