Indonesia Strengthens Military Structure with New Regional Commands

During a major military ceremony in Batujajar, West Java, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto disclosed the formation of six additional regional army commands as part of a significant military restructuring aimed at improving the nation's defense strategies. Emphasizing the necessity of a strong military amid ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, Prabowo remarked that a large nation like Indonesia requires robust military capabilities to ensure its independence and safeguard its sovereignty and resources.

The newly created commands will broaden the Indonesian Army's framework, expanding its network to a total of 21 regional commands across various parts of the archipelago. These commands will oversee important regions including Riau and the Riau Islands, West Sumatra and Jambi, Lampung and Bengkulu, Central and South Kalimantan, Central and West Sulawesi, as well as Merauke in South Papua. Army spokesperson Wahyu Yudhayana stated that this expansion is part of an effort to reinforce Indonesia’s Total People’s Defense and Security System, which serves as the nation's foundational defense strategy.

The event also marked an important organizational change with the reinstatement of the deputy commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, a position that had been dormant for over two decades. This role is crucial for coordinating the operations of the army, navy, and air force, and will assist the commander in fulfilling their responsibilities, should the need arise. The position was last occupied by Fachrul Razi at the end of the 1990s.