Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (KSAL), Rear Admiral Muhammad Ali, said the Navy has yet to acquire tools to detect foreign submarines. These tools, he said, are essential for underwater surveillance.
Ali stated that the Indonesian Navy has proposed the procurement of such equipment to the Ministry of Defense. "We don't have sensors for underwater surveillance at all," he said during a meeting with the House of Representatives Commission I in Jakarta on Monday, April 28, 2025.
Ali pointed out that marine threat monitoring currently only utilizes the first stage of the Central Command System, which is not compatible with underwater surveillance.
These tools are only capable of long-range surveillance up to 50 percent, and only 30 percent for coastal and territorial waters. "Zero percent for underwater surveillance, so that may be our weakness in detecting foreign submarines. We cannot monitor them," said Ali.
Recognizing the absence of foreign submarine detection tools in Indonesian waters, House Commission I member Elita Budiati admitted to feeling frightened. "To be honest, I am afraid," she said.
Without underwater surveillance tools, Elita said, Indonesia becomes vulnerable, especially since the ocean covers about 65 percent of its territory.
She disagrees that cost is the reason behind Indonesia not having the foreign submarine detection tools. "No matter how expensive, if it's essential, especially for upholding maritime sovereignty, it's a necessity," Elita stated.