President Prabowo Reaffirms Indonesia’s Resolve to Defend Sovereignty at All Costs
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday declared that the Republic of Indonesia can never be conquered by any nation, affirming that its people would rather sacrifice their lives than face re-colonization.
Speaking at a military honor ceremony at the Kopassus special forces training center in Batujajar, West Bandung District, West Java, the president emphasized that safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the republic is a collective duty, extending far beyond border defense.
“We adhere to a defensive defense doctrine. Some say that in war, a defensive stance cannot win. That is a misconception,” Prabowo stated. He asserted that with the active participation of the entire population in defending every inch of the country, “we cannot be defeated.”
“Rather than being colonized again, it’s better to die,” he added.
Prabowo also commended civilian officials who attended the ceremony wearing full military camouflage uniforms and berets, noting that their attire symbolized a commitment to national defense.
“Behind me, many figures are wearing military uniforms. It shows their willingness to be involved [in defending the country] alongside the entire Indonesian people, because our nation has a defense system called the Total People’s Defense and Security System,” he said.
Among the officials in uniform were Cabinet members, Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani, Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Ahmad Muzani, and Speaker of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin.
During the event, President Prabowo inaugurated several senior military commanders, including Deputy Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) General Tandyo Budi Revita and Kopassus Commander Lieutenant General Djon Afriandi.
He also formally established new military units, comprising six Army regional commands, 14 Navy regional commands, and three Air Force regional commands, marking a significant expansion of Indonesia’s defense capabilities.
