Friday, March 29, 2024 | 07:50 WIB

Seeking Strategic Autonomy Through TNI Upgrading

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MANPADS
The Russian 9K333 Verba is a fourth-generation man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile (SAM) MANPADS. (Source: YURI SMITYUK/TASS)

One of the ToT programs that could be obtained by Indonesia from the submarine deal is lithium battery technology, which could also be developed and used for commercial purposes and eventually improve the country’s battery industry. It is important to note that Indonesia is the world’s main producer of nickel – the main component of lithium batteries – amounting to 37.04% of the global nickel supply chain. As the current Administration under President Widodo aims to set Indonesia as the center of the global battery industry, such a key technology acquired from defense procurement deals further emphasized that first, batteries can be classified as a ‘strategic product’ crucial for the country’s economy and trade. By doing so, Indonesia will be able to produce lithium batteries for its automotive industry and eventually expand its export capacity. 

Secondly, by obtaining relevant ToT and the ability to produce modern and high-technology defense equipment in Indonesia, Jakarta will be able to reinforce its strategic autonomy through its defense modernization program. Therefore, the ongoing partnership with France will be justified. French Minister of Armed Forces Florence Parly visited Indonesia back in February 2022, while Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto, has met with French President Emmanuel Macron in March. Meanwhile, the Head of Strategy of the French Ministry of Armed Forces, Alice Guitton, was in Jakarta in April to hold talks with her Indonesian counterparts, emphasizing the importance for both countries to cooperate at strategic levels. In this perspective, with the Ministry of Defense’s plan to pursue a long-term upgrading plan, defense procurement deals could certainly be a way – albeit not the only way – for the country to strengthen its autonomy. Amid the geopolitical uncertainties at both regional and international levels, strategic autonomy becomes one of the very key factors for Indonesia to reinforce its role in international politics. To a greater extent, strategic autonomy could help the country in protecting its interests and sovereignty, as well as ensuring that Indonesia can rely on itself, especially in times of crisis. (Anastasia Febiola S)

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