Indonesian Military

1. We, Indonesians, exude self-confidence in country’s defense. It seems we believe that no country dares to attack or challenge us. Data shows Indonesia have relatively only a fraction compared to our neighbors.

	Population	Area	Personnel	Aircraft	Warship
Indonesia	247 million	1.9 million km2	460,000	444	150
Thailand	66 million	0.5 million km2	305,860	743	596
Vietnam	88 million	0.3 million km2	412,000	644	161
Australia	22 million	7.6 million km2	47,135	377	54

    Even though less likely, Indonesia looks unconvincing to         address any big warfare.  

2. Indonesia military power is too lean and we also cast doubt whether the equipments are modern or combat-ready. We hear many times accidents due to aging equipment. Of late, Australian boat crossed illegally and easily Indonesian territorial waters without any appropriate response.      

3. Since long time ago, Indonesia has established the strategic industries related to military. PTDI produces aircraft, PT PAL warship, PT. Pindad rifle and armored personnel vehicle, PT. Dahana bombs. But, Indonesia still buys military equipments from foreign producers.

4. Foreign-made weaponry will be the burden. Once, United States embargoed the spare-parts of aircraft on grounds of Indonesian mishandling of demonstrators in East Timor. The equipments will also be disadvantage, because the foreign producers know well the weakness. Hence we hardly win the war against the allies of producers. If most of our weapons coming from United States, we can’t wage war against Australia. Because Australia is the ally of United States, then Australia will know how to anticipate our weapons.   

5. Fortunately, this has been realized by the military commanders. Recently they have signed agreement with local institutions such as National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) and Surya University to develop indigenous weapons system.

6. Once, military might means a large number of skilled soldiers. Roman Empire, Mongolian Empire and Ottoman Empire wielded this power. Later, military might means aerial power. In six-day war, Israel paralyzed all Arab countries with fierce aerial strikes. And now the era of drone and long-range guided missile in which Western power and its allies rule the roost. With this, they can launch surgical attacks any target anywhere.

7. Indonesia’s self-sufficiency in military is a must. And the state-of-the art weaponry of modern warfare must be locally made.
                      

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