07-17-2026, Friday

Fitness and Discuss with Strahan officer

Date: 17 July 2026

Location: Ministry of Defense, Jakarta

Daily Activities:

1. Morning Fitness Session

Started the day with a one-hour workout at the Ministry of Defense Fitness Center, combining brisk walking and weight training. While cardio exercise is well known for improving cardiovascular endurance, resistance training is also highly beneficial for heart health. Regular weight training helps lower blood pressure, improve circulation, enhance metabolism, increase muscle strength, and reduce the overall risk of cardiovascular disease when combined with aerobic exercise.

2. Strategic Policy Discussion

Visited the 4th floor to meet Colonel Ikhwan Ahmadi, but he was unavailable. I then had a productive discussion with several field-grade officers at the Directorate of Strategic Defense Policy (Ditjakstra), Directorate General of Defense Strategy (Ditjen Strahan).

The discussion focused on the need for Indonesia to strengthen its strategic role in the Pacific region. One of the key ideas raised was the importance of establishing a Directorate of Defense Diplomacy to enhance Indonesia's defense engagement, expand strategic partnerships, and improve coordination of defense diplomacy initiatives with Pacific nations. Such a directorate could help support Indonesia's long-term strategic interests and reinforce its position as an influential regional actor.

Photos and Videos:

Photos were taken to document the day's activities, including the fitness session and the visit to the Directorate of Strategic Defense Policy.

Personal Reflection:

Being assigned across multiple locations presents unique challenges, but it also allows me to gain a broader perspective on the diverse operational and strategic needs within the defense domain. Today's discussions reinforced my belief that strengthening defense diplomacy is an essential step toward enhancing Indonesia's influence and contribution to peace, stability, and cooperation in the Pacific region.