inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the importance of defense strength to maintain the security and integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

"We cannot protect with good intentions, we cannot protect with just words, we cannot protect with just writings, we cannot protect with theory. Protecting is with strength," said President Prabowo on Friday (2/7/2025).

According to him, the urgency of maintaining state security has been stated in the Indonesian constitution, namely the 1945 Constitution (UUD).

Through the state foundation, the founders of the nation made the message of protecting the entire Indonesian nation the first point mentioned in the formation of the state when fighting for independence.

"This means that the founding fathers of the nation - those who fought for independence through resistance against colonialism, physical resistance against imperialism. From the beginning, they determined and conveyed that the first function of the state is the function of protection, meaning defense," said President Prabowo.

The message to maintain national defense is important considering the dynamics of other countries that are now losing the power to maintain their independence because they do not have sufficient defense.

Therefore, President Prabowo hopes that maintaining and improving national defense can be a lesson for TNI officers who are clearly the front guard in protecting the Indonesian nation.

"We must be grateful that our leaders have maintained our country, maintained the Republic of Indonesia without getting too involved, without inviting invasion from other countries," said President Prabowo.

(ad/ndt/pr/nm)