Beyond Military Strength: Why Indonesia Needs a Truly Integrated National Defence Policy?
by Mei Rinta Sukma Firdaus and Dr. Fauzia Gustarina Cempaka Timur
The Indonesia’s Integrated National Defence Policy / Kebijakan Terpadu Pertahanan Negara is a strategic document assigned to the National Defence Council (DPN) to be reviewed, assessed, and drafted in its role as an adviser to the President of Indonesia in determining general defence policy. As mandated by Law Number 3 of 2002 on National Defence, the Integrated National Defence Policy serves as a basis for ministries/institutions, people, and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in carrying out their respective duties and responsibilities to support the implementation of national defence.
The Urgency of Developing Integrated Defence Policy
Recent developments strengthen the principle through Presidential Regulation Number 202 of 2024 on National Defence Council (DPN), which explicitly tasks the DPN with “preparing an integrated national defence policy”. This concept is also in line with the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) which targets the Optimum Essential Force (OEF), previously was Minimum Essential Force (MEF).
History records that this integrated doctrine is constantly evolving. During the administration of President Prabowo Subianto, the state's commitment was evident in the increased defence budget for 2025, specifically focusing on industrial independence and a modern military posture amidst the heating up of Indo-Pacific geopolitics. Improving the quality and quantity of defence equipment and Indonesia's military posture essentially only targets defence hardware.
In the era of chaos and the proliferation of non-military threats in the 21st century, hardware will not operate optimally without an operational system capable of merging sectoral egos between ministries/agencies into a unified geostrategic command. The DPN should be empowered and required to emerge as the nation's "strategic brain", navigating budget constraints, breaking through ministerial bureaucratic barriers, and attracting real participation from civil society and the national industry. In practice, the DPN has conducted intensive outreach to regions since 2025 to ensure regional readiness to support integrated policies. The formation of the strengthened DPN during the Prabowo era marked a commitment to building a more coordinated and adaptive defence against modern and hybrid threats.
Towards a Total Defence System
Examining the integrated national defence as a policy component in the implementation of national defence is important, considering that defence is no longer traditional-militaristic, but has become entrenched at the economic, hybrid warfare, socio-cultural dimension, and cyber levels. In relation to this fact, that policy should no longer merely serve as a normative document for government and non-government elements in supporting defence, it needs to be made a policy that directly refers all efforts to implement the Indonesia defence. This directive demands comprehensive continuity between military and non-military defence, in accordance with Sistem Pertahanan dan Keamanan Rakyat Semesta (Sishankamrata).
However, on document paper, Indonesia's defence architecture is actually quite mature. Rooted in constitutional mandates and more targeted laws and regulations, the Sishankamrata doctrine expressly prohibits the monopoly of defence affairs by the military alone. In reality, this strategic directive often contradicts itself; integration between main and supporting components—such as non-military ministries/agencies, private sector, and people—often stops at strategic planning documents or mere rhetoric. Without a powerful orchestration, the legal umbrella mandating total resistance against hybrid threats risks being as dull as a paper only.
Components and Integration Mechanisms in Sishankamrata
The integration mechanism is implemented through four main pillars: coordination, cooperation, collaboration, and interoperability. Coordination is carried out through DPN forum and cross-ministerial/agency coordination meetings. Cooperation and collaboration are realized in the implementation of military operations other than war (OMSP) and territorial development programs. Interoperability is key in the era of hybrid threats, namely the ability of systems and units from various dimensions (land, sea, air) as well as non-military elements to connect each other, share data, and operate in an integrated manner through the C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) system.
In the industrial sector, defence independence is directed through Law Number 16 of 2012 on Defence Industry. This law encourages the development of national industry through technology transfer programs, increased local content (TKDN), and mandatory use of domestic products in the procurement of defence and security equipment (alpalhankam). Cooperation between state-owned enterprises (BUMN/BUMS) and TNI is a concrete manifestation of the synergy between main and supporting components.
Thus, the integration mechanism in Sishankamrata is not only vertical (between components), but also horizontal (between regions and between institutions), thus creating a comprehensive and adaptive deterrent against various forms of new and modern threats.
Integrated Policy Implementation and Current Directions
The implementation of integrated policy is seen in the focus of the four pillars of the Prabowo-Gibran administrartion: strengthening the total defence system, increasing military strength, developing the domestic defence industry, and expanding strategic partnerships. The formation of 100 TP Infantry Battalions, modernization of defence equipment, and strengthening ASEAN defence diplomacy are concrete examples.
In 2025, the Ministry of Defence will continue priority programs such as building a defence posture on large islands and strategic islands, as well as the Optimum Essential Force (OEF) for 2025–2029. So that Indonesia’s Defence Policy is currently “defensive active”, but it risks evolving into strategic ambiguity if not supported by strategic institutional coherence and clearer policy boundaries.
Challenges and Recommendations
The main challenges include: (1) budget limitations relative to the area; (2) hybrid and cyber threats; (3) suboptimal coordination between ministries/agencies; (4) dependence on imported defence equipment. Recommendations: accelerate the draft law on changes to the defence industry, increase R&D investment, and strengthen the role of the DPN in oversight.
The Integrated National Defence Policy is a vital instrument for realizing a resilient and independent defence. It represents a sophisticated response to modern security challenges. The central challenge is not conceptual design, but strategic coherence. Without consistent policy execution and strong institutional coordination, Indonesia risks undermining its own defence objectives. With a strong legal foundation, the strategic role of DPN, and adaptive implementation, Indonesia would be ready to face the challenges of the 21st century, towards Indonesia Emas 2045.
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