Defense is one of the strategic aspects of concern for countries in the international constellation, including Indonesia. Indonesia has national interests in the defense and security sector, especially in terms of protecting the territory, and citizens on the basis of perceived threats from within and outside the region. Therefore, the main weaponry system (alutsista) is needed to maintain stability and strengthen national defense to guard against threats from outside. So it can be said that the fundamental problem that drives Indonesia's defense diplomacy with Turkey in the field of defense equipment industry is the national interest of Indonesia in maintaining defense and security. Minimum Essential Force (MEF) is a form of Indonesia's national interest in the defense and security sector. MEF (Minimum Essential Force) is the minimum standard applied by Indonesia to maintain state sovereignty and strength. MEF is part of Indonesia's national defense policy and is a goal that must be achieved by the TNI (Indonesian National Army) to maintain the country's resilience and security.
One of the Indonesian government's efforts in realizing MEF is by cooperating with Turkey regarding the manufacture of defense equipment tanks. Turkey in the world defense industry is a new actor that has rapid development in its defense industry. The cooperation between Indonesia and Turkey in making tanks is seen as one way to achieve Indonesia's national interests in protecting the sovereignty and security of its citizens from various threats and to increase its military capabilities. This cooperation has succeeded in creating several important defense equipment (alutsista) such as the Tiger Tank.
With this cooperation, the Indonesian government hopes to further improve defense equipment capabilities, especially in terms of tank production and development, be able to make progress in the development of the defense industry and defense equipment independence, and be able to strengthen Indonesia's defense capabilities in protecting its national interests. Then the question arises from Indonesia's hopes, whether all these hopes are realized with the cooperation in making this Tiger Tank. This then inspires us to examine further what losses Indonesia has gained in this cooperation, as well as how competition occurs between actors in state institutions related to this defense cooperation issue.
Indonesia's losses in Tiger Tank cooperation can be seen from various factors, namely as follows:
1. No significant technology transfer. This is because FNSS allegedly carried out the tank manufacturing process in Turkey during the Tiger Tank manufacturing process. However, as the Indonesian representative, Pindad was assigned to design the complete tank when it was sent to Indonesia. Thus, there was no significant transfer of technology between PT Pindad and PT FNSS during the Tiger Tank manufacturing process.
2. Increase Indonesia's dependency on Turkey: This tank will only increase Indonesia's dependency on Turkey as there is no significant technology transfer and the entire manufacturing process is done in Turkey. In addition, Indonesia also does not have an adequate tank workshop in case of damage to the tank.
3. Expansion of the defense budget. The cost of manufacturing this medium tank is relatively expensive compared to the price of manufacturing medium tanks made in other countries, with a manufacturing cost of 150 to 300 billion rupiah per tank. In addition, the cooperation contract between PT Pindad and FNSS Turkey can only produce two types of medium tanks and the production is relatively low despite the contract value reaching 300 billion rupiah, which is considered to only increase the cost budget.
4. This cooperation might increase Turkey's dependence on technology. Indonesia does not need to cooperate with Turkey to improve its defense industry as the country does not yet have an independent defense industry. However, the cooperation might make Indonesia dependent on foreign technology.
5. Political risks may increase as a result of this cooperation. This defense cooperation may have an impact on national politics, such as changes in government policy and political instability.
To overcome the shortcomings of Tiger Tank manufacturing, Indonesia can strengthen cooperation with Turkey in terms of technology transfer. This can be done by increasing PT Pindad's involvement in the production process in Turkey, so that it can gain wider knowledge and skills in tank manufacturing. In addition, Indonesia can also strengthen defense technology research and development cooperation with Turkey, so that it can gain access to the latest technology in tank manufacturing.
Turkey's disadvantage in manufacturing the Tiger Tank was the lack of significant technology transfer to Indonesia. The production process of the tank was entirely carried out by PT FNSS in Turkey, and when the tank was imported to Indonesia, it was not yet in its complete form. As a result, PT Pindad as the Indonesian representative had to redesign the tank into a complete form, indicating a lack of significant technology transfer between PT Pindad and PT FNSS in the Tiger Tank production process.
Indonesia and Turkey can minimize losses in Tiger Tank cooperation by increasing technology transfer between the two countries. This can be done by involving PT Pindad more actively in the production process in Turkey, so that it can gain wider knowledge and skills in tank manufacturing. In addition, Indonesia can also strengthen defense technology research and development cooperation with Turkey, so that it can gain access to the latest technology in tank manufacturing.
In terms of international relations, there are several disadvantages of cooperation between Indonesia and Turkey to make Tiger Tanks. One very important aspect is that there was no significant technology transfer from Turkey to Indonesia. The production of the tank was done entirely in Turkey, and PT Pindad was not fully involved in the design of the tank when it was delivered to Indonesia. This suggests that the expected transfer of technological know-how and capabilities may not have occurred in a meaningful way maximum. This could compromise Indonesia's defense forces, increase its dependence on Turkey, and even cause national security problems.
The economic impact is also a serious concern. The relatively high production cost of medium tanks, ranging from 150 to 300 billion rupiah per tank, could be a burden on Indonesia's defense budget. With only two types of medium tanks that can be produced under the cooperation contract, the relatively low production despite the high contract value could add to the budget burden without providing sufficient diversification to defense capabilities. This could create additional pressure on Indonesia's defense budget, and uncertainty in the allocation of these funds could be detrimental to national economic stability.
To address these challenges, it is important for Indonesia and Turkey to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the benefits and risks of this cooperation. Efforts to improve technology transfer, production diversification, and wise economic management should be the focus so that this cooperation can bring positive impacts to both parties.
Nama saya Pradindha Tasya Irawan, dari Prodi Hubungan Internasional Universitas Teknologi Yogyakarta, Akreditas “B” Angkatan 2022. Saya memilih Prodi Hubungan Internasional salah satu daya tarik utama jurusan ini adalah kemampuan untuk berkontribusi pada upaya perdamaian dan keamanan dunia. Kita belajar tentang diplomasi, hubungan diplomatik, dan manajemen konflik, yang dapat mempersiapkan kita untuk berperan dalam menjembatani kesenjangan dan mempromosikan perdamaian di tengah ketegangan internasional. Mata kuliah favorit saya adalah Penghantar Hubungan Internasional dan dosen favoritnya yaitu Ibu LucitaniaRizky. Muhammad Ridha Iswardhana ,S.I.P.,M.A.Hidayat Chusnul Chotimah, S.I.A, M.A. Rencana pemilihan konsentrasi HI, saya memilih Bisnis karena Mempelajari strategi pemasaran yang efektif di tingkat global, termasuk penyesuaian pesan dan produk untuk pasar yang berbeda, serta memahami faktor-faktor budaya dan hukum yang memengaruhi pemasaran internasional.
