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Jakarta faces a shifting threat landscape, one where a direct aerial assault, once considered a remote possibility, demands serious consideration. That was the central message from former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) during a closed-door lecture delivered Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Lembaga Pertahanan Nasional (Lemhannas), Indonesia’s national defense institute. SBY’s remarks, reported by Kompas.com, underscored a need to reassess Indonesia’s defense strategy in light of evolving global warfare dynamics, including the rise of artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and robotics.
The former president cautioned against relying solely on traditional military doctrines that prioritize land-based forces. “Dunia AI, dunia robotik, dunia beyond conventional thinking, conventional warfare, kita harus siap. Jadi jangan takut,” SBY said, urging preparedness in the face of these new technologies. He argued that Indonesia must bolster its “air power” – its air defense capabilities – as a critical component of national security. This shift in focus comes as modern warfare increasingly targets strategic centers and vital infrastructure directly, rather than engaging in protracted ground campaigns.
SBY posed a stark hypothetical to his audience, comprised of participants in the Pendidikan Pemantapan Pimpinan Nasional (P3N) XXVII, Program Pendidikan Penyiapan dan Pemantapan Pimpinan Nasional (P4N) LXIX, and personnel from Lemhannas RI. “Sekarang begitu ada air strike menghancurkan Jakarta, Pindad di Bandung, PAL di Surabaya, kota-kota yang lain apa yang kita lakukan? Hayo?” he asked, prompting a consideration of Indonesia’s response capabilities in the event of a coordinated aerial attack on key industrial and governmental hubs. Pindad, located in Bandung, is a state-owned defense industry company, whereas PAL (PT PAL Indonesia) in Surabaya is a major shipbuilding and heavy engineering firm.
This questioning reflects a departure from Indonesia’s historical defense doctrine, known as Hankamrata (Pertahanan dan Keamanan Rakyat Semesta – Total People’s Defense and Security). SBY explained that Hankamrata traditionally focused on defending borders, coastlines, and islands through strategies like guerilla warfare, and counterattacks. Though, he emphasized that the speed and precision afforded by modern military technology render such approaches increasingly inadequate. The ability to strike directly at the heart of a nation’s infrastructure and governance requires a fundamentally different defensive posture.
The call for increased air power isn’t simply about acquiring more fighter jets. SBY stressed the need for a holistic approach encompassing resource development, skills enhancement, and adaptive policymaking. “Kita masih perlu, resource kita, kita bangun, skill kita harus dibangun, policy-nya harus dibikin. Jadi bagi saya apapun harus siap karena kita tidak bisa pilih-pilih,” he stated, underscoring the importance of comprehensive preparation across all sectors. This includes investing in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies to counter hybrid warfare tactics.
The concept of “hybrid warfare,” as highlighted by SBY, further complicates the defense equation. This approach blends conventional military tactics with non-conventional methods, such as cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and economic coercion. Successfully defending against hybrid threats requires a unified and adaptable response, encompassing not only military strength but also resilience in critical infrastructure, robust cybersecurity measures, and a well-informed populace.
SBY’s lecture comes amid broader discussions about strengthening ASEAN’s role in regional security, a topic he also addressed on Monday. Kompas.com reported that he emphasized the importance of a unified ASEAN front in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape. A stronger, more coordinated regional response is seen as crucial for addressing shared security challenges, including potential aerial threats.
The discussion surrounding Indonesia’s defense preparedness is likely to continue in the coming weeks and months. The government has not yet publicly responded to SBY’s specific recommendations, but the former president’s remarks are expected to fuel debate among policymakers and defense experts. The next key development will be the release of the updated national defense strategy, currently under review by the Ministry of Defense, which is expected to outline Indonesia’s priorities for modernizing its armed forces and enhancing its overall security posture.
What remains clear is that Indonesia recognizes the need to adapt to a rapidly changing world. SBY’s call for a renewed focus on air power, coupled with investments in emerging technologies and a more comprehensive defense strategy, signals a commitment to safeguarding the nation’s security in the 21st century. Readers interested in learning more about Indonesia’s defense policies can locate further information on the website of the Ministry of Defense.
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