Prabowo Stresses Need for Stronger Defense, Equitable Presence Across 514 Regencies

President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the necessity of strengthening the Indonesian National Army (TNI) and ensuring its equitable presence across all 514 regencies, citing the nation's vast territory and large population. He argued that enhancing the defense and security system's reach throughout Indonesia requires bolstering the TNI. Prabowo highlighted that Indonesia comprises 514 regencies, many of which are extensive in area. "These are not small regencies, these are big regencies," he stated, explaining that based on the concept of deploying at least one battalion per regency, the current number of TNI units leaves over 360 regencies without a TNI presence. Furthermore, President Prabowo expressed concern that the limited deployment of the TNI in various regions contributes to a decline in surveillance capabilities for natural resources. He noted that "our wealth is there. That is why, for decades, illegal logging, illegal mining, wild gardens have occurred," referring to the long-standing issues of illegal logging, mining, and oil palm plantations within protected forest areas. Regarding defense expenditure, the President pointed out that Indonesia's spending remains low compared to other ASEAN nations. He stated that defense spending, which has not reached 2 percent of GDP, has hovered around 0.9 percent for decades, significantly lower than Singapore's allocation of over 3 percent of GDP. Prabowo concluded that the strengthening of the TNI is not merely about increasing personnel but about building a robust defense and security system that can reach all parts of Indonesia. Source: VOI English