Indonesian President Prabowo, in an interview with Bloomberg, expressed important views on recent international situations and Indonesia's defense policy. He said he was quite surprised by the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, and frankly stated that he sees no rational or reasonable basis for this military action, believing it has escalated regional tensions. Addressing concerns that China might exploit the turmoil in the Middle East to take action on the Taiwan issue, Prabowo downplayed such worries. He noted that Chinese leaders are currently focused on improving people's livelihoods and will try to avoid open conflict, suggesting a low likelihood of major escalation.
Regarding defense and arms procurement, Prabowo confirmed that Indonesia is considering purchasing Chinese defense equipment, while emphasizing that Indonesia has the right to buy weapons from any country and will not form a military alliance with any major power as a result. He reiterated Indonesia's consistent non-aligned stance, maintaining friendly relations with all neighboring countries, and that its defense posture is entirely defensive. He clearly stated that Indonesia cannot be part of any military alliance and that in case of an incident, Indonesia cannot rely on any party.
Indonesia has previously shown interest in Chinese-made Chengdu J-10 fighter jets, air defense systems, and several warships, but no further progress has been made on related procurement plans. The latest developments indicate that Indonesia is currently leaning towards considering the purchase of JF-17 Thunder Block III 4.5-generation fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China. Pakistan has offered this model to Indonesia and is willing to provide multiple military cooperation packages as compensation, offering Indonesia a new option for arms procurement.
Overall, against the backdrop of increasingly complex global geopolitics, Indonesia adheres to an independent, non-aligned foreign and defense strategy. On one hand, it expresses concern over the escalation of conflict in the Middle East; on the other, it actively diversifies sources of defense equipment to strengthen its own defense capabilities and safeguard national strategic security and autonomy.
Prabowo Considers Purchasing Chinese Defense Equipment
2026-03-19
Source
Indonesian President Prabowo, in an interview with Bloomberg, expressed important views on recent international situations and Indonesia's defense policy. He said he was quite surprised by the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, and frankly stated that he sees no rational or reasonable basis for this military action, believing it has escalated regional tensions. Addressing concerns that China might exploit the turmoil in the Middle East to take action on the Taiwan issue, Prabowo downplayed such worries. He noted that Chinese leaders are currently focused on improving people's livelihoods and will try to avoid open conflict, suggesting a low likelihood of major escalation.
Indonesian President Prabowo, in an interview with Bloomberg, expressed important views on recent international situations and Indonesia's defense policy. He said he was quite surprised by the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, and frankly stated that he sees no rational or reasonable basis for this military action, believing it has escalated regional tensions. Addressing concerns that China might exploit the turmoil in the Middle East to take action on the Taiwan issue, Prabowo downplayed such worries. He noted that Chinese leaders are currently focused on improving people's livelihoods and will try to avoid open conflict, suggesting a low likelihood of major escalation.
Regarding defense and arms procurement, Prabowo confirmed that Indonesia is considering purchasing Chinese defense equipment, while emphasizing that Indonesia has the right to buy weapons from any country and will not form a military alliance with any major power as a result. He reiterated Indonesia's consistent non-aligned stance, maintaining friendly relations with all neighboring countries, and that its defense posture is entirely defensive. He clearly stated that Indonesia cannot be part of any military alliance and that in case of an incident, Indonesia cannot rely on any party.
Indonesia has previously shown interest in Chinese-made Chengdu J-10 fighter jets, air defense systems, and several warships, but no further progress has been made on related procurement plans. The latest developments indicate that Indonesia is currently leaning towards considering the purchase of JF-17 Thunder Block III 4.5-generation fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China. Pakistan has offered this model to Indonesia and is willing to provide multiple military cooperation packages as compensation, offering Indonesia a new option for arms procurement.
Overall, against the backdrop of increasingly complex global geopolitics, Indonesia adheres to an independent, non-aligned foreign and defense strategy. On one hand, it expresses concern over the escalation of conflict in the Middle East; on the other, it actively diversifies sources of defense equipment to strengthen its own defense capabilities and safeguard national strategic security and autonomy.
