JAKARTA: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto chaired the inaugural meeting of the National Defence Council (DPN) at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java, on Friday (Feb 7), marking a historic milestone for the country’s defence sector.
This session, the first since the enactment of Indonesia’s National Defence Law No. 3 of 2002, saw the official formation of the council after 22 years, signalling the beginning of its pivotal role in safeguarding the nation.
The formation of the council aims to serve as a key institution in developing adaptive defence policies to address global challenges, ensuring Indonesia’s continued sovereignty and resilience.
Prabowo emphasised that national defence is the essential foundation for a nation’s existence, in line with Indonesia’s constitution, which prioritises the protection of both the state and its citizens.
"The first principle is the principle of protection, meaning the principle of defence,” he said in his opening remarks, which were released by the Presidential Secretariat’s Press, Media, and Information Bureau (BPMI).
He also noted the growing global geopolitical challenges, stressing that a nation’s survival is its primary objective, stating, "The existence of a nation means its goal is survival for our people.”
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin outlined the council’s broad responsibilities, which include addressing national issues impacting the country’s sovereignty and providing policy recommendations to the President.
"The National Defence Council plays a role in formulating general national defence policies over a five-year period,” he explained.
The meeting was attended by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, several cabinet ministers, Indonesian National Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Attorney General ST Burhanuddin, DPN members, and other key officials. - Bernama
