THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PHASE 1 (2010-2014) AND PHASE 2 (2015-2019) OF MINIMUM ESSENTIAL FORCE (MEF) STRATEGY IN BUILDING INDONESIA DEFENCE POSTURE THROUGH THE INDIGENOUS DEFENCE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The development of strategic environment and multidimensional threats causes the state to require appropriate defence policies and strategies. Indonesia, based on the 2009 Strategic Defence Review, determines the Main Component Minimum Essential Force in building the national defence posture. The fulfilment of Minimum Essential Force is closely related to meeting the needs of weapon system and defence equipment in supporting strength, deployment and capability of defence. Accordingly, the development of Indonesia's independent national defence industry is emphasized in the implementation of achieving the ideal posture of state defence. Using qualitative research methods and the concept of technonationalism/ techno-globalism, this thesis aims to analyse the implementation of Phase 1 (2010-2014) and Phase 2 (2015-2019) of the Minimum Essential Force strategy implemented by the Indonesian Government through the development and revitalization of indigenous defence industry. Defence industry actors including the government, users, and defence businesses/companies work hand in hand in managing the domestic defence industry. Various legal products as basis, domestic procurement projects, and international cooperation have been carried out. In these findings, it was noted that the fulfilment of the Minimum Essential Force has reached 62.58% of the overall target to be achieved by the end of Phase 2. In addition to implementing the offsets mechanism, emphasis on R&D, budget consistency, and commitment of defence industry actors are needed to achieve defence industry’s independence that is able to fulfil the coveted Minimum Essential Force standards of Indonesia.