Indonesia Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 20th
MPR SCORE: 1089
MPR Index: 0.4910 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.4825 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: +1.685 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Indonesia ranks 20th in the 2025 Military Power Rankings (MPR). As the largest archipelagic nation on Earth and the dominant power in Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s defense strategy centers on territorial integrity, maritime security, and internal stability. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) are structured for wide-area defense across the country’s 17,000 islands, with growing emphasis on air-sea modernization, defense industrial capacity, and regional deterrence.
While Indonesia lacks expeditionary power, it maintains strong internal mobility and has made significant investments in aircraft, missile systems, and maritime surveillance to counter threats in the South China Sea and internal insurgency zones.
Strengths: Strategic Geography and Maritime Defense Focus
1. Large and Dispersed Ground Forces
Indonesia maintains a standing army of over 300,000 active personnel, with a broad distribution across:
Java, Sumatra, Papua, and Kalimantan
Focus on border security, counterinsurgency, and disaster relief
Elite units include:
Kopassus (special forces)
Kostrad (strategic reserve command)
Marinir (naval infantry/marines)
2. Growing Naval Force for Archipelagic Control
The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) includes:
2 Makassar-class LPDs, Bung Tomo-class corvettes, and SIGMA-class frigates
Kilo-class and Type 209 submarines for undersea deterrence
Emphasis is on coastal defense, inter-island patrol, and South China Sea operations
3. Air Defense and Regional Surveillance Initiatives
Key assets include:
NASAMS, Skyshield, and Starstreak SHORAD systems
Air surveillance radars and long-range coastal radar networks
Procurement of air-to-air missiles, air defense radars, and C4ISR systems
4. Defense Industry Growth and Foreign Procurement
Indonesia has increased investment in:
PT PAL (naval shipbuilding)
PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) (aircraft manufacturing and maintenance)
Strategic defense imports include:
Rafale multirole fighters, F-15EXs (ordered), KAI T-50i, Leopard 2 tanks, and CAESAR artillery
Ongoing cooperation with South Korea on the KF-21 Boramae fighter project
Why Indonesia Is Ranked 20th
Indonesia’s vast manpower and geography give it strong regional weight, but limited strategic deterrence and force projection cap its global influence.
1. No Strategic Weapons or Long-Range Strike Capability
Indonesia does not possess:
Ballistic missiles
Strategic bombers
Nuclear deterrents
Missile inventory is limited to tactical and air-launched munitions
2. Limited Air and Naval Reach
Indonesia’s air and naval forces are regionally effective but lack intercontinental reach or airborne logistics depth
Transport and refueling capabilities are insufficient for extended deployment beyond Southeast Asia
3. Procurement and Maintenance Constraints
Despite growing investment, the military still faces:
Spare parts shortages
Platform diversity complexity
Training gaps in high-tech systems
Defense budget remains moderate (~0.8–1.0% of GDP)
Conclusion
Indonesia commands one of the most regionally capable, territorially structured, and internally responsive militaries in the Indo-Pacific. Its strategic geography, robust manpower, and expanding defense industry position it well for archipelagic defense and regional deterrence.
Under the MPR framework—where strategic reach, force mobility, and combat power are central—Indonesia ranks 20th, limited by its lack of strike depth and interoperability with high-end global coalitions. Nonetheless, it remains a dominant Southeast Asian military with growing potential.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: 395,500 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 400,000 (CIA World Factbook)
Paramilitary Forces: 280,000 (IISS 2023)
Indonesia’s large military is designed for territorial defense and securing the nation’s many islands and strategic maritime routes.
Ground Forces
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 400+ (SIPRI 2023, IISS 2023)
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 1,200+ (Jane’s Defence 2023)
Artillery Pieces (Self-Propelled and Towed): 600+ (IISS 2023)
Indonesia’s ground forces are focused on defending its borders and protecting its extensive island territories.
Air Force
Combat Aircraft: 180 (IISS 2023)
Attack Helicopters: 21 (Jane’s Defence 2023)
Indonesia’s air force is equipped with F-16s, Sukhoi Su-27, and Su-30 fighters, which provide significant air superiority and defense capabilities.
Aircraft Breakdown:
F-16 Fighting Falcons: 33 (including upgraded F-16C/D Block 52 and A/B variants)
Su-30MK2 / Su-27SK Flankers: 11
Rafale (on order): 6 of 42 expected by 2030
F-15EX (on order): 24 approved by the U.S., initial deliveries pending
KAI T-50i Golden Eagles: 16 (lead-in fighter trainers)
CN-235 and C-130 Hercules: 30+ (transport and maritime patrol)
Bell 412 / NAS332 Super Puma: 40+ (utility helicopters)
Naval Forces
Total Naval Assets: 211 (IISS 2023)
Submarines: 5 (SIPRI 2023)
Frigates and Corvettes: 8 (Jane’s Defence 2023)
Indonesia’s navy is vital to securing its vast maritime boundariesIndonesia’s navy is essential in protecting its vast maritime boundaries, controlling vital shipping lanes like the Strait of Malacca, and enhancing regional security. With a growing fleet of submarines and frigates, Indonesia is focusing on naval modernization to bolster its maritime defense capabilities.
Missile Capabilities
Indonesia is steadily upgrading its missile defense systems, focusing on acquiring surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and developing naval-based missile systems to enhance its coastal and maritime defenses.
Military Technology and Modernization
Indonesia continues to invest in modern military equipment, particularly focusing on naval assets and air power. With partnerships with countries like South Korea and the United States, Indonesia is rapidly expanding its capabilities in advanced warfare technologies.
Alliances and Strategic Partnerships
Indonesia maintains strategic military partnerships within the region, participating in ASEAN defense initiatives, as well as maintaining strong ties with the United States, enhancing its military readiness and force projection capabilities.
Military History & Combat Experience
Indonesia’s military history is defined by independence warfare, internal counterinsurgency, and regional intervention. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) evolved from anti-colonial resistance movements into a unified force focused on state control, territorial sovereignty, and domestic stability.
War of Independence (1945–1949): After declaring independence from the Netherlands, Indonesian fighters engaged in a guerrilla war against Dutch colonial forces. The conflict saw intense combat, urban sabotage, and mass mobilization across Java and Sumatra, culminating in full independence in 1949.
Permesta and PRRI Rebellions (1950s): The Indonesian military confronted regional uprisings in Sulawesi and Sumatra, sparked by dissatisfaction with Jakarta’s central authority. The conflicts tested the TNI’s airpower, counterinsurgency, and joint operations capabilities.
West Papua and Operation Trikora (1961–1963): Indonesia launched military operations to incorporate West Papua into the republic. The campaign combined naval deployments, air drops, and diplomatic pressure. The eventual transfer by the Netherlands was later contested by Papuan independence movements.
Indonesia–Malaysia Confrontation (1963–1966): Indonesia opposed the formation of Malaysia, launching cross-border raids and covert operations in Borneo. The conflict remained low-intensity but involved clashes with British and Commonwealth troops, marking one of Indonesia’s few external military interventions.
East Timor Invasion (1975): Following Portugal’s withdrawal, Indonesia invaded East Timor, sparking a prolonged occupation and resistance campaign. The conflict involved COIN operations, martial law, and international condemnation, ending only with East Timor’s independence in 2002.
Internal Security and Separatist Conflicts (1980s–Present): The TNI has conducted long-term operations in Aceh, Papua, and other regions to suppress separatist movements, involving special forces, territorial commands, and surveillance networks. Human rights issues have accompanied many of these campaigns.
UN Peacekeeping Deployments (1990s–2020s): Indonesia has contributed to UN missions in Lebanon, Congo, Sudan, and Central Africa, emphasizing logistics, engineering, and medical support roles.
Indonesia’s military experience is grounded in counterinsurgency, territorial control, and regional assertion. While it has not fought a conventional war in decades, the TNI remains one of the most operationally seasoned and geographically adaptive forces in Southeast Asia.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~279.7 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~115 million (males and females aged 18–49)
Geographic Area: 1,904,569 km²
Land Boundaries: 2,958 km
Bordering Countries: East Timor, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea
Coastline: 54,716 km (second-longest in the world)
Climate: Tropical; hot and humid; more moderate in highlands
Terrain: Mostly coastal lowlands with interior mountains on larger islands
Natural Resources: Petroleum, natural gas, tin, copper, nickel, coal, gold, silver, bauxite, timber
Proven Oil Reserves: ~3.2 billion barrels
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: ~2.6 trillion cubic meters
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$10.4 billion USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~0.9%
GDP (PPP): ~$4.15 trillion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$14,900
External Debt: ~$420 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Modest growth; modernization initiatives focused on air and naval upgrades
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: No conscription; all-volunteer force, though draft provisions exist under emergency law
Primary Defense Focus: Territorial defense, maritime security, anti-piracy, and regional peacekeeping
Military Industry Base: Growing; led by PT Pindad, PT PAL, and Indonesian Aerospace (PTDI)
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Expanding; cyber defense unit under the Strategic Intelligence Agency and military command
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Divided into 3 Armed Forces Commands and 15 Regional Military Commands (Kodam)
Missile Inventory Highlights: Yakhont and Exocet anti-ship missiles, MANPADS, and indigenous short-range missile projects
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Organized reserve units exist; call-up readiness within 30–60 days for key regions
Reservist Force Size: ~400,000–500,000 trained or designated reservists
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: Operated by BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency); uses LAPAN satellites
Military Satellite Inventory: Limited; dependent on dual-use communications and imaging satellites
Intelligence Infrastructure: BAIS (Strategic Intelligence), BIN (State Intelligence Agency), and military intelligence divisions
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: ASEAN network, Australia, U.S., and limited coordination with China and India
Airports (Total): ~673 (civilian and military)
Major Military Airports: Halim Perdanakusuma, Iswahyudi, Hasanuddin, Supadio, Abdul Rachman Saleh
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: ~1,300 vessels
Major Ports: Tanjung Priok, Surabaya, Belawan, Makassar
Naval Infrastructure: Extensive; includes submarine base in Surabaya, PT PAL shipbuilding, and 2 major naval fleets
Naval Replenishment Capability: Regional; sufficient for patrol and littoral operations, limited deep-sea resupply
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: ~6,000 km (Java and Sumatra)
Roadways: ~550,000 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: ~650,000 barrels per day
Energy Imports: Net importer of refined petroleum products
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Limited; estimated <30-day national supply
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: Strong in small arms, APCs, patrol vessels, and turboprop aircraft (e.g., CN-235); expanding missile R&D
Military Installations (Domestic): Over 100 major bases and garrisons across the archipelago, including island defense outposts
Military Installations (Overseas): None officially; engages in peacekeeping deployments abroad
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: Training and advisory presence from U.S., Australia, and South Korea
Defense Alliances: No formal alliances; defense agreements with ASEAN, Australia, U.S., South Korea, and Japan
Strategic Airlift Capability: Operates C-130s, CN-235s, and several Boeing transport aircraft
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Moderate; dual-use industry conversion possible through MoD mandates
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: Modest; focused on drone development, anti-ship missiles, and digital battlefield integration
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: Pertamina (energy), PT INKA (transport), Krakatau Steel, Indonesian Railways, Telkom Indonesia
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Jakarta (transitioning to Nusantara by 2045)
Founding Date: August 17, 1945 (independence from the Netherlands)
System of Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
