Discuss Defense and Geopolitics, President Calls for Special Advisor for Defense

JAKARTA - The Special Presidential Advisor for National Defense, General Purn. Dudung Abdurachman, was summoned by President Prabowo Subianto to the Presidential Palace. This meeting took place when the issue of defense and tension in the region was heating up.

Dudung said the summons was delivered through the President's aide the night before. He did not know the exact agenda, but made sure to bring materials related to national defense and international developments.

"Usually he asks for advice," said Dudung briefly, Tuesday, April 21.

He admitted that the issues to be discussed were not only domestic. "National and international," he said, signaling that the conversation touched on regional developments.

In recent times, Indonesia has been mentioned in the discourse on the proposal for a comprehensive air traffic permit for foreign military aircraft, or so-called blanket overflight and increasing global tensions. Asked about it, Dudung did not go into detail. He chose to wait for a direct discussion with the President.

Regarding defense cooperation with the United States, Dudung said the relationship had been going on for a long time and was likely to continue. However, he stressed that strategic decisions remained with the President.

Beyond that, Dudung reminded of the limits that cannot be negotiated. Foreign military aircraft, said the former KSAD, must not cross Indonesian territory without permission. "That's international law, it can't be," he said.