SBY Urges Indonesia to Strengthen Air Power Amid Modern Warfare Shifts

Indonesia Strengthens Air Defense Amid Shifting Global Warfare Landscape

JAKARTA – Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) has emphasized the critical need for Indonesia to bolster its air power in response to evolving global warfare dynamics. SBY delivered these remarks during a public lecture at the Indonesian Defense University (Lemhannas) in Jakarta on Monday, February 23, 2026.

According to SBY, the world is entering an era of modern warfare that increasingly moves away from a primary reliance on ground forces. Cyber warfare, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and unconventional strategic thinking are now integral components of contemporary defense strategies.

“The world of AI, the world of robotics, the world beyond conventional thinking, conventional warfare… we must be prepared. So don’t be afraid,” SBY stated, as reported by Kompas.com.

SBY argued that Indonesia can no longer solely depend on traditional defense doctrines that prioritize the army. He highlighted the growing importance of air power in the current threat landscape.

“In the past, it seemed that the army was prioritized for Indonesia. Now, air power is very important,” SBY cautioned.

To illustrate his point, SBY posed a hypothetical scenario involving an air strike targeting key Indonesian cities like Jakarta, Bandung (home to Pindad), and Surabaya (home to PAL). He questioned how Indonesia would respond to such an attack.

SBY explained that past defense and security doctrines focused on strategies like intercepting enemies at borders, defending coastlines and major islands, and employing guerilla warfare tactics and counterattacks. However, he noted that advancements in military technology now allow for rapid attacks directly targeting centers of government and critical infrastructure.

Indonesia must invest in resources, enhance skills, and develop adaptable policies to meet the challenges of a changing world. “We still need resources, we need to build our skills, policies must be created. So, for me, whatever needs to be done must be prepared because we cannot choose,” he said.

SBY stressed that modern warfare and hybrid warfare demand comprehensive preparedness across conventional military capabilities, cyber defense, technology, and defense doctrines. “So This represents modern warfare, modern technology, modern doctrine, everything must be ready. And if it’s hybrid, the key is to be prepared for anything. That’s the essence of it,” he concluded.

This call for increased investment in air power comes as Indonesia continues to modernize its military. Recent reports indicate a significant increase in the country’s defense budget, with funds allocated to upgrading defense equipment and infrastructure. Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has been a key driver of this modernization effort, securing funding for advanced technologies for both the air force and navy. The country is also reorganizing its armed forces, creating over 20 new regional commands in what officials describe as the largest overhaul in decades. These moves underscore a growing concern within Indonesian defense circles about the need to bolster capabilities across all domains of warfare, as well as asserting sovereignty over its vast maritime territory.

Indonesia’s focus on strengthening its military also comes amid a broader trend of geopolitical tensions in the region. The country has emphasized its commitment to remaining neutral in global conflicts, but recognizes the need for a strong defense to protect its national interests. Deputy Foreign Minister Marie Chatardová recently met with Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations, further highlighting Indonesia’s engagement with international partners.