Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday declared that the Republic of Indonesia cannot be conquered by any nation, saying its people would rather die defending their homeland than be re-colonized.Speaking at a military honor ceremony at the Kopassus special forces training center in Batujajar, West Bandung District, West Java, he stressed that safeguarding the republic’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is a nationwide effort, not limited to the borders.
"We adhere to a defensive defense doctrine. Some say that in war, a defensive stance cannot win. That is a misconception," Prabowo said.
He emphasized that with the participation of the entire population in defending every inch of the country, "we cannot be defeated."
"Rather than being colonized again, it's better to die," he added.
Prabowo also praised civilian officials who attended the ceremony wearing full military camouflage uniforms and berets, saying their attire reflected their commitment to the nation's defense.
"Behind me, many figures are wearing military uniforms. It shows their willingness to be involved [in defending the country] alongside the entire Indonesian people, because our nation has a defense system called the Total People's Defense and Security System," he said.
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Among the officials in uniform were Cabinet members and Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani, Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Ahmad Muzani, and Speaker of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin.
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During the event, Prabowo inaugurated several senior military commanders, including Deputy Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) General Tandyo Budi Revita and Kopassus Commander Lieutenant General Djon Afriandi.
He also officially established new military units, comprising six Army regional commands, 14 Navy regional commands, and three Air Force regional commands.
