Two Years of Prabowo-Gibran: Modernization of Defense Equipment and Budget Efficiency
The modernization of primary weapon systems has become a key agenda for strengthening Indonesia's defense during the two-year Prabowo-Gibran administration.
Two Years of Prabowo-Gibran: Modernization of Defense Equipment and Budget Efficiency
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The modernization of primary weapon systems (alutsista) has become one of the key agendas for strengthening Indonesia's defense during the two-year administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
A number of alutsista acquisitions have been undertaken to enhance the capabilities of the National Armed Forces (TNI), ranging from fighter aircraft, transport planes, air defense radars, to warships and submarines.
In the air domain, Indonesia began receiving the French-made Rafale fighter jets, the procurement of which was contracted when Prabowo served as Minister of Defense.
In addition, the government has also brought in strategic airlift aircraft Airbus A400M, Falcon 8X jets, Ground Controlled Interception (GCI) GM403 radar equipped with Meteor missiles and AASM HAMMER smart bombs.
Meanwhile, in the maritime sector, Indonesia continues the development program for Merah Putih-class frigates and the procurement of Evolved Scorpene submarines.
The government has also approved the acceptance of the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi as a gift from Italy.
Political and military analyst from Universitas Nasional (UNAS) Selamat Ginting stated that the modernization of alutsista is an urgent necessity for the TNI.
Some of the alutsista currently in service have been in use for over 20 years, and some even reaching 30 years.
"The modernization of the TNI's alutsista in recent years is a step that cannot be delayed any longer, as Indonesia is facing an increasingly uncertain strategic environment due to escalating global geopolitics," Selamat told Kompas.com on Sunday (4/10/2026).
However, defense modernization is not only related to the procurement of new weaponry.
Compatibility of alutsista with defense needs, operational readiness, and budget capacity to support operations and maintenance is also part of the procurement process.
The Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the House of Representatives, Dave Laksono, stated that the alutsista procurement over the two years of the Prabowo-Gibran administration should be evaluated based on enhancements in operational readiness of the TNI and its alignment with Indonesia's defense needs.
So, how has the realization of alutsista procurement progressed during the two years of the Prabowo-Gibran administration, and to what extent does it address Indonesia's defense requirements?
From Rafale to A400M
Strengthening the capabilities of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) is one aspect of the alutsista modernization during the Prabowo-Gibran administration.
One notable acquisition is the French-made Rafale fighter jets.
Indonesia has signed a contract for the procurement of 42 units of Rafale through three phases, with contracts effective in 2022, 2023, and January 2024.
This contract was initiated when Prabowo was still serving as Minister of Defense.
The implementation of this procurement continued during his presidency.