Why Indonesian army is expanding when other armies across the world are shrinking?

Indonesia's military is expanding significantly, with active personnel rising from 395,500 in 2014 to 404,500 in 2024. This growth, driven by President Joko Widodo's administration, marks a reversal of post-1998 reforms and reflects increased military influence in various sectors. Despite this personnel boost, development of maritime defense capabilities remains lacking. The Navy and Air Force face underfunding due to the heavy focus on personnel, impacting modernization efforts. Recent expansions, including new regional commands, appear driven by internal needs rather than strategic advantages, raising concerns about balancing military growth with effective defense capabilities.