Page 37 - ADT AUG - OCT 2024 Digital Magazine | GBP

new Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), A Glass Half Full
and tactical ballistic missiles. This
comprehensive land strategy is
designed to ensure that Indonesia’s
ground forces are equipped to
address a variety of scenarios, from
conventional threats to asymmetri- nificantly lower than regional
cal warfare.
Archipelagic Air Shield
The Archipelagic Air Shield will
significantly enhance Indonesian
Air Force’s capabilities, featuring
advanced fighter aircraft including
42 Rafale F4s, up to 24 F-15EX
(F-15ID) jets, and at least one
squadron of KF-21 Boramae.
Upgrades to the existing fleet
of F-16s, Sukhoi fighters, and
Hawks will complement these new
acquisitions, while logistics and
surveillance will be bolstered with a
fleet of C-130 Hercules and Airbus
A400 aircraft. The integration of
airborne early warning and con-
trol systems (AWACS) will further
enhance situational awareness and
operational coordination.
ASIAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY
of rising tensions in the South China
Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Incidents
As of January 2024, Indonesia’s involving the Philippines Coast
defence budget stands at approx- Guard and Chinese vessels illus-
imately 0.7% to 0.8% of its Gross trate the volatile nature of maritime
Domestic Product (GDP), sig- disputes in the region. The potential
for escalation remains high, particu-
counterparts like Singapore. larly as China increasingly pursues
However, under Prabowo’s leader- aggressive policies regarding its
ship, there is a strong expectation territorial claims. Prabowo’s Trident
that this will be raised to at least Shield initiative serves as both a
1%. The 2024 State Budget allo- deterrent against external threats
cates Rp 139.27 trillion to the and a response to these shifting
Ministry of Defence, prioritising dynamics.
modernisation efforts with Rp 22.25
trillion earmarked for upgrading mili- Moreover, China’s internal chal-
tary equipment and infrastructure. lenges, exacerbated by economic
slowdown and demographic imbal-
The outgoing president’s approval ances resulting from its one-child
of a 20% increase in defence policy, which was enforced for 36
spending reflects a growing years between 1979 to 2015, create
acknowledgment of the need for pressures that could influence its
enhanced military capabilities in external actions. The leadership
light of evolving geopolitical chal- may feel compelled to engage in
lenges. Despite these increases, external conflict to unify national
Indonesia’s defence spending sentiment and distract from domes-
remains among the lowest in the tic issues. Such scenarios heighten
region, a reality that Prabowo’s the risk of open hostilities that
administration seeks to address could embroil Indonesia, given its
through strategic investments and geographic proximity and maritime
prioritisation of domestic defence interests.
industries.
In this complex environment,
Geopolitical Context Indonesia’s strategic importance
is further emphasised by its role
Indonesia’s strategic decisions are within ASEAN. As regional tensions
being shaped by a broader context escalate, Indonesia could assume
a leadership role in fostering mul-
tilateral dialogue and cooperation
among Southeast Asian nations. By
promoting stability and collective
security, Indonesia may balance
the competing interests of regional
powers, thereby strengthening its
sovereignty while contributing to a
more secure maritime environment.
While ASEAN was never intended
to become a military alliance,
bilateral and multilateral defence
and security cooperation among
countries in the region has become
more common over the years. This
situation could provide Indonesia
with an opportunity to step forward
and potentially form some kind of
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