David Hurley gets lowdown on Indonesia’s defence strategy
Former governor-general David Hurley has been briefed on plans to expand Indonesia’s defence portfolio under the military-minded President Prabowo Subianto.
Former governor-general David Hurley has been briefed on plans to expand Indonesia’s defence portfolio under the military-minded President Prabowo Subianto.
Following talks in Jakarta with Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin on Wednesday, defence ministry spokesman Frega Wenas Inkiriwang said the two generals, who share a personal history that dates back to their cadet years in the 1970s, discussed ways to strengthen military-to-military co-operation between the two countries.
Sjafrie briefed General Hurley on recent developments in Indonesia’s defence sector, including the establishment of new territorial battalions and the National Defence Council, as well as plans to contribute to global peacekeeping efforts.
He said General Hurley also expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s recent initiatives, the Territorial Development Battalion and the National Defence Council, both of which he recognised as fulfilling long-standing legislative mandates that only materialised under Prabowo’s leadership.
When asked about Indonesia’s plan to acquire Chinese-made J-10 fighter jets and concerns that the move might unsettle neighbouring countries such as Australia, Frega dismissed the notion, emphasising the strong bilateral ties and mutual confidence built over decades of close defence co-operation.
“Any acquisition of defence systems under President Prabowo and Minister Sjafrie’s leadership serves Indonesia’s national interest, to strengthen our defence posture, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Other nations may have their own opinions, but we base our procurement solely on Indonesia’s needs,” he said.
Sjafrie indicated earlier this month that Chengdu J-10 fighter jets “may soon fly over Jakarta” amid speculation that Indonesia is considering purchasing the Chinese-made aircraft as part of its broader effort to diversify defence suppliers and modernise its air force.
Frega added that Indonesia’s defence posture was guided first and foremost by national interests, as mandated by the constitution.
“Just as other countries do not ask Indonesia’s permission to acquire weapons, we are under no obligation to ask theirs,” he said. “Procurement methods and suppliers may vary, but the purpose remains the same: to safeguard sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security. Without these, there can be no national stability, development, or economic growth.”
“Every procurement decision undergoes extensive study and long-term planning. Of course, we also consider diplomacy and mutual respect, but ultimately, every acquisition serves Indonesia’s national interest. We have learned from past experience not to purchase defence equipment that cannot be fully utilised due to external constraints.”
He was referring to the period in the late 1990s and early 2000s when international sanctions limited the use of Sukhoi and other military aircraft.
Indonesia will soon receive the Rafale aircraft it recently purchased from France, as well as A400M transport aircraft from Airbus.
Frega said the close ties between Indonesia and Australia’s defence leadership were rooted in the personal connection forged during their cadet years, when they participated in a military exchange program between Indonesia’s Armed Forces Academy and Australia’s Royal Military College Duntroon.
It was there that they first met and developed a lasting friendship. Although they graduated in different years, the bond formed during that exchange laid the groundwork for decades of informal dialogue and mutual respect.
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