Defense Minister Gives Development on Defense Industry, Geopolitical Situation

Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Monday (07/10) had a meeting with Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto at Merdeka Palace to discuss the development on defense sector, including Indonesia’s defense industry and geopolitical situation.

“I briefed the President on the development of the issue on defense sector including the development of Indonesia’s defense industry, the development of Indonesia’s partnership with several countries related defense sector, and the development of geopolitical situation,” the Minister said in a press statement.

The Minister pointed out that the state-owned aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia recorded a positive business progress, adding that according to President Director of PT DI Elfien Goentoro, the company can increase its CN-235 aircraft production until eight aircrafts per year.

Prabowo also said that it is a very positive progress considering that the demand for CN-235 aircraft is quite high in many countries, including countries in Africa and South America.

“It warms our hearts. I encourage our defense industry to stay being more efficient, more productive, more innovative, and not hesitant to collaborate with any party that can bring added value to us,” he said, adding that several countries in Africa also want to enhance defense cooperation with Indonesia.

“Several countries have asked us to visit their countries to train their forces, showing that many countries continue respecting Indonesia and making the country a role model in defense sector,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat /UN) (AP/EP)