Spending on Defense Equipment Must Be Carried Out Properly: President Jokowi
President Jokowi accompanied by the Commander of TNI Marshal Yudo Margono checks the troops on the ceremony to commemorate TNI anniversary at National Monument square, Jakarta, Wednesday (10/05). (Photo by: Rahmat/PR)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has ordered Minister of Defense to carry out procurement of defense equipment wisely by considering the needs and the capabilities of the State Budget.
“Modernization of defense equipment is necessary, but our State Budget is very limited and spending for people’s welfare is large, so spending on defense equipment must be done wisely, both in terms of budget allocation and its purposes,” the President said when presiding the ceremony the commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) at the National Monument square in Central Jakarta, Thursday (10/05).
According to the President, modernization of defense equipment must also develop national defense industry and encouraged transfer of knowledge, improvement of human resources, and prioritizing of domestic products.
“I order the wise use of the budget because it is difficult to obtain it. It is the money from our people so it must be spent for their benefits ,” he said, while ordering the TNI to continue maintaining public trust.
For the record, based on survey results as of September 2023, level of public trust in the TNI reached 83 to 90 percent.
“To maintain this trust, the TNI must formulate concrete steps and strategies to move forward amid global condition that is changing rapidly and the world geopolitics that are heating up,” he said.
The President also ordered all ranks of the TNI to be sensitive to the current global dynamics, especially regarding the food crisis, climate change, and disruption of world supply chains.
“I appeal to all TNI personnel to have instincts, awareness, and sensitivity regarding this issue because food is extremely important and can determine the stability of the nation,” he said, while reminding TNI personnel to stay vigilant against the potential conflicts ahead of the simultaneous elections in 2024.
The President also underscored the importance of maintaining TNI synergy and neutrality during this period.
“We have now entered a political year. We must continue maintaining peaceful conditions, immediately eliminate even the slightest possibility of conflict, and give the public an understanding that different choices are normal. Winning and losing are also normal. We must also continue maintaining synergy with the National Police, maintaining the neutrality of the TNI, and maintaining a fightinf character and we must always uphold the Sapta Marga and the Soldier’s Oath as a guide in action,” he remarked. (DND/UN) (EST/EP)
