Prabowo: "Being Defensive Means Losing the War" Assumption Is Wrong

President Prabowo Subianto (Photo: doc. BPMI Setwapres)

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto expressed Indonesia's defensive defense perspective. Prabowo emphasized that those who believe being defensive means always loses in war, are wrong.

Prabowo made this statement during the Operational Troops and Military Honors Ceremony at the Indonesian Army's Kopassus Special Forces Education and Training Center (Pusdiklatpassus) in Batujajar, West Bandung Regency, West Java.

"Some say that in war, defense cannot win. That's a wrong interpretation of history," Prabowo said on Sunday, August 10.

The former Defense Minister claimed that he would rather pursue defensive defense than have Indonesia recolonized.

"If we defend our nation, we defend every village, every hamlet, every valley, hill, mountain, sub-district, regency, province, every inch of our land. We defend it. The entire Indonesian nation defends it. We cannot be conquered," he asserted.

Prabowo emphasized that the Indonesian people do not like war. However, based on historical records, Indonesia has experienced many bitter experiences.

"The Indonesian people don't like war; they want peace, but the Indonesian people have experienced bitter experiences. Every time we try to rise, we are harassed. Every time we try to improve the welfare of our people, we are harassed. Our wealth is being plundered, we are being pitted against each other," Prabowo explained.

According to Prabowo, the world is currently facing uncertainty. Wars between countries are occurring everywhere. The former Defense Minister emphasized that Indonesia is not siding with any bloc. Therefore, for Prabowo, Indonesia must have a strong defense system.

"That's why today I am inaugurating six new regional military commanders, 20 new brigade commanders, and 100 new territorial development battalions. I have inaugurated commanders and brigade commanders—people I've hand-picked," Prabowo explained.

Furthermore, Prabowo emphasized that TNI commanders and commanders must lead troops from the front lines. They must not lead from the rear. According to Prabowo, the TNI elite must set an example because they are considered the best soldiers.

"As a leader, you must lead from the front. The TNI Commander, the TNI Troop Commander, the brigade commanders, and the battalion commanders must lead from the front, lead from the center of the troops, always be in the most dangerous places, always be in the most critical places. No troop commander leads from behind," said Prabowo.

The former Danjen Kopassus advised TNI leaders to take the best possible care of their subordinates. In fact, they should be treated as their own children.

"Lead well, look after them well, train them well, train them harshly, but not cruelly," Prabowo concluded.