Military Chief Discloses Work Plan for Primary Weaponry Defense System

Ilustrastion Navy submarines [TNI AL]

National Defense Forces (TNI) Chief Marshal Hadi Tahjanto unveiled the third strategic work plan for the 2019-2024 period at a hearing with the House of Representatives’ (DPR’s) Commission I in Jakarta on Wednesday.

"I have conveyed the next work program (at the hearing). The TNI will continue the (existing) work program related to the third strategic work plan for the 2019-2024 period in which we need to expedite (the procurement of) the primary weaponry defense system, including submarines. I will convey the details during a question-and-answer session," he remarked on the sidelines of the hearing with the DPR Commission I.

In conveying the work plan at the hearing held behind closed doors, he informed the DPR Commission I that the TNI had set up a new organization that requires budget funding to build its station, including office stationary.

Citing an example, he explained that the TNI had formed the Special Operation Command (Koopsus) to combat terrorism and that sufficient equipment and training were required to that end.

Before the closed-door hearing was held, the TNI chief discussed several national strategic issues, including the concept of defense system for the new capital of the country in East Kalimantan and potential disturbance in the simultaneous regional head elections in 2020.

In connection with the defense system concept, he highlighted the need for the country to focus on several issues in the defense field.

The issues covered the air defense identification zone (Adis) and the restricted and prohibited area in line with Government Regulation No. 4 of 2018 on Indonesian Air Territory Security.

  ★ antara