Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After the Inspection of Defense Industry at PT Pindad (Persero), Bandung City, West Java Province, September 19, 2023
Reporter
How was the inspection, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I noticed that the development of PT Pindad is extremely fast. Last time, we inspected [the factory] in Turen, Malang for bullet and ammunition [manufacture]. Now, we are here to inspect the manufacture of combat vehicles and I noticed that the development is rapid.
In 2022, Pindad as a defense company ranked 79th in 2022. Our estimation is that in 2024, it will be in the top 60, but in 2025, it will enter the top 50. Thus, the progress is evident and if we look at the products, they are excellent. And the annual revenue of PT Pindad in 2022 was… how much, Sir? Rp25 trillion. Rp27 trilion in 2023 and most of it is from orders from Minister of Defense – Ministry of Defense.
Reporter
Are there orders from other countries as well?
President Director of PT Pindad (Abraham Mose)
As for [orders from] other countries, we have exported ammunitions to the US and every month, we deliver two containers there. Now, there are so many weapon, pistol, and combat vehicle orders from PT Pindad.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It means that there is a prospect, there is an opportunity that must be seized.
Reporter
Sir, Mr. Prabowo drove you in Maung, Sir. Mr. Prabowo drove you in a tactical vehicle.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I was told to take what?
Reporter
Would you mind clarifying that, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, we took Maung. It is produced here by PT Pindad. It has been popular lately.
Reporter
Is it smooth, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Smooth, good. The driver was also good.
Reporter
Sir, about the Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), you said it was still being processed. What is being processed? The extension of term of office or change of the Commander of TNI and the Chief of Staff of the Army?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The change is underway.
Reporter
However, does the Government accept the option to extend the term of office, Sir? The House said the term of office of the Commander of TNI is extended?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Both options are possible, but both are still underway.
Semua opsi bisa-bisa saja, tetapi semuanya masih dalam proses.
Reporter
Sir, regarding another issue, Sir. Rumor has it that Mr. Prabowo slapped a Vice Minister during a meeting.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
He did what?
Reporter
There is a rumor that he did that, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Then ask him. In such a political situation, there must be many issues such as that, so please verify the facts.
Reporter
Mr. Prabowo, would you care to respond to the issue, Sir?
Minister of Defense (Prabowo)
I have not even met the Vice Minister.
Reporter
Will you report it, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
He said he has never even met the person.
Reporter
Will you report the person who spread the hoax, Sir?
Minister of Defense (Prabowo)
If possible, we will not make a fuss, but it will be processed and examined.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Mr. Prabowo is patient now.
Reporter
Sir, last question, about intelligence. Many people criticize you about it. What do you say, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I regularly receive intelligence reports from the police, the TNI, the National Intelligence Agency (BIN). I regularly receive reports that are related to politics, the economy, and social affairs. All presidents receive the same information.
Reporter
But it is deemed to disrupt democratic order, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Then to whom should it be reported to? The law states that the reports must be made to the President. BIN must report to the President. There is a regulation on that, so it is nothing big.
(DH/LW)