President Jokowi: Four New Military Bases to Be Built

Jakarta, MINA – Indonesian President Joko Widodo said the government continued to commit to supporting the development of Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) strength. This was evidenced by the construction of a military base in Natuna, Riau Islands.

“In the past year, the TNI has carved a new history, the latest military base in Natuna has been inaugurated. Followed by four more in Biak, Merauke, Morotai, and Saumlaki, “Jokowi said as an inspector of the 74th TNI Anniversary ceremony at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, East Jakarta, Saturday (5/10).

Jokowi added that there was an effort by the government to support the TNI while eliminating the ego of the three dimensions, for example by the formation of the Joint Operational Command in July 2019 to combat terrorism.

“In that unit, the best representatives of the three dimensions were merged into one to work together to combat terrorists. In addition, a joint Dharma Yudha exercise involving 12,500 soldiers from three dimensions was carried out,” he said.

Most recently, said Jokowi, the government formed a joint defense area (kogabwilhan) command in Tanjung Pinang, Riau Islands; Balikpapan, East Kalimantan; and Biak. This is to increase military preparedness in anticipation of a crisis.

“This marks a military shift in our country, which had been divided in each dimension, now becoming more integrated,” he said.

According to him, support is not only given to troops. In terms of the policy, there is a presidential regulation that gives new officers a new position and the addition of the main weaponry system.

“In the era of technological advances, the defense equipment and HR (human resources) of the TNI must be more resilient, adaptive and spirit of the Sapta Marga,” he said. (T/Ais/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)