ABSTRACT
Indonesia arguably presents the most complex case of military modernisation in Southeast Asia. The geostrategic location, archipelagic environment, evolving foreign relations, influence of the armed forces, specific support for the defence industry, and other factors have shaped the trajectory of Indonesia's military strength. After a few fluctuations during the Cold War and after, such as the political transition in 1966 and the turbulence after President Suharto's resign in 1998, Jakarta has established the three services of its armed forces to some extent, with some constraints on responding to certain security challenges, such as territorial disputes in the South China Sea. From the late 2010s, Indonesia's several ongoing ambitious plans of fighters and frigates may address some of Indonesia's security issues and strengthen its international status, despite the uncertain level of execution.
