As geopolitical tensions, energy price volatility, and supply chain disruptions continue to affect countries worldwide, energy security has become a strategic defense issue rather than merely a logistical concern. Military operations rely heavily on continuous access to fuel and electricity for transportation, training, surveillance, and combat readiness. Any disruption in energy supply can directly weaken operational capability and national security.
According to the researchers, this challenge is particularly significant for developing countries such as Indonesia, where defense logistics must operate across an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands. Despite these unique circumstances, most existing research on defense energy policy focuses on the experiences of the United States, NATO members, and Australia, leaving a substantial knowledge gap regarding Southeast Asian countries.
Why Defense Energy Matters
Modern military forces consume enormous amounts of energy. The study notes that fluctuations in global oil prices, maritime supply disruptions, political embargoes, and regional conflicts can significantly affect military readiness. Governments therefore have a critical responsibility to develop regulations, allocate sufficient defense budgets, and build resilient energy infrastructure capable of supporting military operations during both peacetime and conflict.
The researchers emphasize that effective defense energy policy cannot rely solely on ambitious political statements. Without adequate funding and coordinated implementation, policy commitments remain symbolic rather than operational.
Reviewing Global Defense Energy Policies
Rather than conducting fieldwork, the researchers performed a qualitative systematic literature review. They examined peer-reviewed journal articles, institutional reports, defense policy documents, and academic books published primarily between 2010 and 2024. Sources were selected based on their relevance to military energy policy and national defense.
The collected literature was analyzed in two stages. First, the researchers mapped major concepts and policy approaches. Second, they compared defense energy strategies across different countries to identify recurring patterns, policy gaps, and lessons applicable to developing nations, particularly Indonesia.
Five Major Findings
The review identified five key findings that consistently appeared across the international literature.
1. Legislation Creates More Durable Reform
Countries that embed defense energy policy within legislation achieve more sustainable long-term reform than those relying only on executive or administrative directives. Legal mandates remain effective despite changes in political leadership and provide stronger accountability for implementation.
2. Policy Ambitions Often Exceed Budget Commitments
Many governments announce ambitious defense energy goals without allocating sufficient funding to achieve them. The researchers found a persistent gap between declared policy objectives and actual budget appropriations, with governments often increasing investment only after major crises rather than preparing in advance.
3. Multiple Strategies Work Better Than One
No single solution can fully address military energy vulnerability. The strongest evidence supports a portfolio approach that combines:
- Diversification of energy sources;
- Improvements in energy efficiency; and
- Integration of renewable energy where operationally appropriate.
Together, these strategies strengthen resilience while reducing dependence on a single fuel source.
4. Energy Infrastructure Has Become a Strategic Target
The study highlights the growing importance of protecting military energy infrastructure from both physical attacks and cyber threats. As power grids, fuel storage systems, and energy distribution networks become increasingly digital, cybersecurity must become an integral component of defense energy policy.
5. Indonesia Requires Its Own Policy Framework
The researchers conclude that defense energy models developed by Western countries cannot simply be transferred to Indonesia. The country's archipelagic geography, dependence on imported refined petroleum products, dispersed military bases, and budget constraints require policy frameworks specifically designed for local conditions.
Implications for National Defense
The findings suggest that energy security should be formally integrated into national defense planning rather than treated solely as a logistics issue. Building resilient military energy systems would help governments maintain operational readiness during international crises, reduce strategic vulnerabilities, and improve long-term defense sustainability.
For policymakers, the study recommends stronger coordination between defense ministries, energy authorities, and budget planners. For military institutions, energy efficiency should be viewed not simply as a cost-saving measure but as a way to improve operational effectiveness and protect personnel.
The research also encourages ASEAN countries to strengthen regional studies on defense energy policy, as Southeast Asia remains underrepresented in international academic literature despite facing complex security and logistical challenges.
Academic Perspective
Aditya Prakoso Rachviadi and colleagues from the Republic of Indonesia Defense University argue that successful military energy policy depends on the integration of regulatory frameworks, budget credibility, infrastructure investment, and strategic planning. Their review indicates that countries achieving the greatest progress coordinate these elements through long-term governance rather than isolated policy initiatives. They further emphasize that Indonesia should develop its own defense energy framework instead of directly adopting models created for Western military systems.
Author Profiles
Aditya Prakoso Rachviadi is a researcher from the Defense Industry Studies Program, Faculty of Engineering and Defense Technology, Republic of Indonesia Defense University, specializing in defense energy policy, military energy resilience, and defense strategy.
Sovian Aritonang is affiliated with the Defense Industry Studies Program, Faculty of Engineering and Defense Technology, Republic of Indonesia Defense University, with expertise in defense policy, strategic studies, and public governance.
Putra Jandhana is a researcher at the Defense Industry Studies Program, Faculty of Engineering and Defense Technology, Republic of Indonesia Defense University, focusing on defense logistics, national security, and military energy governance.
Source
Article Title: The Role of the Government in Meeting Military Energy Needs: A Literature Review of Defense Energy Strategies and Policies
Authors: Aditya Prakoso Rachviadi, Sovian Aritonang, and Putra Jandhana
Journal: Formosa Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (FJMR)
Volume: 5
Issue: 7
Year: 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjmr.v5i7.114
Official Journal: https://journalfjmr.my.id/index.php/fjmr
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