Indonesia Bolsters Defense Capabilities Through Diversified Arms Procurement
Indonesia is actively diversifying its defense suppliers as it modernizes its armed forces, a strategy driven by both capability gaps and a desire for strategic autonomy in a contested regional environment. Despite possessing a relatively small air force – 49 fighter jets supplemented by 42 light fighters and advanced trainers – Indonesia is pursuing a broad procurement strategy to enhance its defense posture.This diversification is rooted in Indonesia’s long-held policy of avoiding rigid alignment with major powers, rather opting for a hedging strategy that balances economic and diplomatic engagement with autonomous capability building. Past experiences with arms embargoes from both the Soviet Union and Western nations have further reinforced the logic of spreading procurement across multiple partners.Jakarta is finding willing partners in countries like Turkey, France, and britain, who demonstrate a greater willingness than the United States to offer technology transfers and industrial collaborations to non-allied states. Turkey has committed to sharing drone and fighter jet technologies with Indonesian firms, while both Britain and France have collaborated with PT PAL, Indonesia’s state-owned shipbuilder, to develop expertise in submarine and frigate construction.
This modernization isn’t solely focused inward. A strengthened Indonesian military, notably its navy, could facilitate increased regional cooperation. Enhanced naval capabilities could support joint maritime patrols with neighboring countries like Malaysia,the Philippines,and Vietnam in disputed waters. Australia, recently elevating its defense relationship with Indonesia to a treaty-level partnership, stands to benefit from Jakarta’s growing naval strength through expanded joint patrols in key strategic areas like the Arafura Sea.
Tho, this diversified approach presents challenges. Integrating a variety of weapon systems from different sources could create logistical complexities and maintainance bottlenecks, requiring crews to adapt to diverse spare parts and maintenance procedures. This will inevitably increase defense spending,potentially straining Indonesia’s budget,which is planned to increase from 166 trillion rupiah (US$10.22 billion) in 2025 to 185 trillion rupiah (US$11.33 billion) in 2026.
To mitigate these risks, Indonesian defense policymakers are urged to prioritize investment in naval and air power, alongside interoperability and communications integration. By strategically allocating resources,Indonesia aims to not only address immediate capability gaps but also secure its foreign policy autonomy and foster a more robust domestic defense industry through technology transfer and collaborative partnerships.
