Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has announced the formation of six new regional army commands in a sweeping military restructuring designed to reinforce national defence at a time of heightened global instability.
Speaking at a military ceremony in Batujajar, West Java, on Sunday (Aug 10), Prabowo said the initiative reflected Indonesia’s need to adapt to growing security uncertainties, citing wars in Europe and the Middle East as reminders of how fragile global order has become.
“A big nation like us needs a strong military. No nation can be independent without having a strong military,” said the president, who served as defence minister from 2019 to 2024. He added that Indonesia must strengthen its defences to protect sovereignty and resources across the archipelago.
The six new commands expand the Indonesian Army’s footprint to 21 regional units. They will oversee strategic regions including Riau and the Riau Islands, West Sumatra and Jambi, Lampung and Bengkulu, Central and South Kalimantan, Central and West Sulawesi, as well as Merauke in South Papua.
Army spokesperson Wahyu Yudhayana told local media that the new commands are intended to reinforce Indonesia’s Total People’s Defence and Security System, a framework that integrates the armed forces with broader national resilience strategies. The expansion is also linked to facilitating development and welfare across the nation.
The ceremony also marked the revival of the deputy armed forces commander position, vacant for over two decades, with Tandyo Budi Revita appointed to the role. The deputy commander is tasked with coordinating the army, navy, and air force, and steps in if the armed forces chief is unable to serve. The role was last held by Fachrul Razi from 1999 to 2000.
Top officials, including Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, House Speaker Puan Maharani, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and senior military officers, attended the event, signalling the political and strategic weight of the restructuring.
The restructuring comes as Indonesia pursues an ambitious defence modernisation programme. In late July, the defence ministry confirmed a contract for 48 Turkish KAAN fighter jets, with potential acquisitions of China’s J-10 and America’s F-15EX aircraft also under discussion. Analysts also noted Indonesia’s quiet deployment of a Turkish-made short-range ballistic missile system in East Kalimantan, a move that significantly alters Southeast Asia’s military balance.
The creation of new commands underscores Prabowo’s intent to align Indonesia’s military posture with its regional ambitions, ensuring readiness not only against external threats but also in support of broader national development objectives.
