JAKARTA, The Kabar News—Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has instructed senior ministry officials to strengthen internal unity and remain alert to changes in Indonesia’s security environment, describing defense duties as essential to the country’s survival.

Sjafrie delivered the instructions during a luncheon with Defense Ministry officials at the ministry’s headquarters in Jakarta on Friday, Nov. 6. He urged officials to maintain a shared direction when carrying out their responsibilities.

The minister also asked them to closely monitor developments at the national, regional and global levels. According to the Defense Ministry’s official statement, officials must anticipate emerging risks and respond with measured, accountable decisions.

Sjafrie said self-awareness was necessary to ensure that every policy remained aligned with the national interest. He described integrity and loyalty as essential requirements for officials responsible for protecting Indonesia’s sovereignty.

The ministry said defense responsibilities extended beyond administrative work because they directly affected the country’s territorial integrity and public safety. It urged officials to demonstrate their commitment through accountable service rather than relying solely on statements of patriotism.

The briefing followed a National Defense Council meeting that Sjafrie chaired at the Defense Ministry on Monday, Nov. 2. Sjafrie serves as the council’s executive chair.

The meeting brought together the head of the State Intelligence Agency, the Indonesian military commander, and the National Police chief. The Army, Navy and Air Force chiefs also attended alongside the two deputy defense ministers.

The Defense Ministry said the meeting examined strategic security and defense issues but did not disclose operational details or identify specific threats.

Officials stressed the need for defense and security institutions to coordinate their assessments. The council expects closer coordination to help agencies align their responses while preserving their respective legal responsibilities.

The absence of detailed public information means that the meeting should not automatically link to any single political or security case. Its stated purpose was to review wider changes in Indonesia’s strategic environment and strengthen national preparedness.

Separately, Sjafrie chaired a Nov. 4 leadership meeting of the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (Satgas PKH). He leads the task force’s steering committee.

Satgas PKH decided to investigate companies suspected of illegally controlling or using state forest areas. An Attorney General’s Office statement said the companies were allegedly affiliated with or controlled by a person identified only by the initials AK.

Authorities said an initial review had found indications of irregularities involving mining governance and permits. Satgas PKH will inventory and verify the companies before determining administrative penalties, asset recovery measures or possible criminal referrals.

The Attorney General’s Office later said AK was believed to be outside Indonesia and that investigators were coordinating with immigration authorities to determine the person’s location.

However, authorities have not publicly released a complete list of the companies, the total area involved or the number of mining sites subject to enforcement.

Official statements also do not substantiate claims that AK controlled one-quarter of Indonesia’s nickel industry or had a personal connection to former National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo.

The government must base any enforcement action on verified ownership records and permit data. Transparent disclosure will also be necessary to distinguish suspected violations from businesses operating with valid mining and forestry permits.