Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the armed forces to protect the country's natural resources from invasion and exploitation by foreign groups.
Prabowo said foreign groups have been stealing and smuggling Indonesian assets abroad for hundreds of years.
He has also expanded the military's involvement in public programs, increased defense spending, accelerated amendments to military laws, and appointed senior military officers to lead state-owned companies.
Other efforts include managing more than a million hectares of oil palm plantations seized by the government.
The influential leader has also urged the military to explore advances in technology and science, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
Since taking office in 2024, his administration has set a target of 8% economic growth, a rate not achieved in decades.
He made the remarks during a speech at the military's 80th anniversary celebration at the National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta yesterday.
The ceremony was also attended by 133,000 military personnel to celebrate the largest military anniversary in history.
