Indonesia's Defense Equipment Procurement on Right Track: Analyst

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Defense analyst Beni Sukadis assessed that the government's efforts to modernize Indonesia's defense equipment have been on the right track as the threats of war may occur at anytime.

"Strengthening defense must be carried out during peaceful condition in order to anticipate the threats of war that can occur at any time," he said in a written statement received on Sunday.

He cited Russia's invasion of Ukraine since February 24, 2022 has turned into an open battle.

He expressed his opinion as China is still waiting for the United States' (US') response to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and the superpower's possible involvement in the conflict.

"If (the US) is directly involved, it will break its concentration, while China can take the opportunity to invade Taiwan when the US is caught off guard," he explained.

Sukadis assessed that the invasion of Ukraine showed that conflict and war could occur any time in any country.

Hence, Sukadis argued that Indonesia's efforts to purchase defense equipment in recent times were believed as a right step.

The Indonesian Government has previously planned to modernize the defense equipment system by procuring Dassault Rafale fighter jets, Scorpene submarines, Airbus A400M aircraft, and the Arrowhead frigate warship.

Indonesia, on February 10, 2022, had officially acquired six Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft made by Dassault Aviation from France. The acquisition of the six aircraft was carried out after the Defense Ministry, represented by the Head of the Defense Facilities Agency Marshal Yusuf Jauhari, and a representative of Dassault Aviation, signed the purchase of the aircraft in Jakarta.

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and French Defense Minister Florence Farly were also present and witnessed the signing of the contract.

Read: Indonesia Purchases 42 Rafale Fighter Jets from France

ANTARA