Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo: Reuters

President Prabowo Subianto held a private and strategic meeting at his residence in Hambalang, located in Bogor District, West Java. The meeting was attended by Indonesia’s top defense, military, and intelligence leaders to address rising global security threats and to prepare strong national defense measures.

This important meeting took place just weeks before Indonesia celebrates its 80th Independence Day, making the discussion around national defense and sovereignty even more timely and meaningful.

Why the Meeting Was Held

The meeting was called to focus on new challenges in global security and to ensure that Indonesia remains strong and prepared. President Prabowo emphasized that defense is not just about protecting borders—it is vital to the survival and independence of the nation.

“Defense is an area of vital significance to the survival of the nation and the state,” said Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, who attended the meeting and shared the president’s message.

The Meaning of True Independence

As Indonesia prepares to celebrate its 80th year of freedom, President Prabowo took a moment during the meeting to reflect on what independence truly means.

He reminded the officials that real independence goes beyond just having a flag or a national holiday. “If a country wants to achieve true independence and become prosperous, it must have the ability to protect itself, including all of its natural resources,” he said.

The president believes that a strong defense system is the backbone of national sovereignty. Without it, even natural resources like forests, minerals, and waters could fall into the wrong hands.

Who Was at the Meeting

The meeting was limited in attendance, showing its importance and sensitivity. The president was seated between Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto.

Also present were:

• BIN Chief M. Herindra (Head of the State Intelligence Agency)
• Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak
• Deputy Army Chief Lieutenant General Tandyo Revita
• Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali
• Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Tonny Harjono
• Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya
• State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi

Photos from the Presidential Secretariat showed that TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto was actively taking notes as the president delivered his key directives. BIN Chief Herindra was seated close to the defense minister, symbolizing coordination among different sectors of national defense.

Main Points Discussed

While exact details of the meeting were not shared with the public, the focus was clearly on how Indonesia can stay strong in the face of:

• Rising global military tensions
• Cybersecurity risks
• Foreign threats to natural resources
• Regional defense partnerships

President Prabowo gave direct orders and emphasized the need for unity among military and intelligence forces. He spoke with seriousness about keeping the nation safe, not just through weapons and soldiers, but by planning and working together as one.

Indonesia’s Defense and Its Global Role

In recent years, Indonesia has taken steps to increase its military strength, upgrade its defense systems, and build partnerships with other countries in the region.

President Prabowo has said many times that a strong defense is not meant for war, but for peace. By being prepared, Indonesia can protect its people and resources without needing to fight.

This meeting at Hambalang is another clear signal that Indonesia is watching the world closely and making sure it is not caught unprepared. It is also a sign that President Prabowo wants the military and intelligence agencies to be fully aligned on national goals.

A Message Before Independence Day

With Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day just days away, the president’s message was clear: true freedom is only possible when the nation is strong, united, and able to defend itself.

The roundtable meeting in Hambalang was not just a regular gathering. It was a serious and forward-looking discussion to ensure that Indonesia remains free, safe, and proud for generations to come.