Part 1/16:

Indonesia's Defense Modernization: Challenges and Geopolitical Stakes

The Aging Indonesian Military and Its Slow Revival

Indonesia's military infrastructure faces a pressing challenge: its aging fleet and limited modernization efforts. Despite a 15-year plan called the Minimum Essential Force (MEF), initiated in 2009 under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, progress has been sluggish. The plan aimed to modernize the navy, air force, and army to better defend Indonesia's vast maritime territory. However, as of recent assessments, targets across all branches have only been partially met—about 51% for the Air Force, 60% for the Army, and 76% for the Navy—highlighting a significant shortfall.