INDONESIA RAISES MILITARY BUDGET

Jakarta, 12 Dhulhijjah 1436/26 September 2015 (MINA) – Chairman of the Commission I of the House of Representatives Mahfudz Siddiq said the Commission had agreed to proposal for additional budget for the military.

“In principle, Commission I agrees to the proposal to increase the military budget by Rp37 trillion,” Mahfud said here on Friday. Antaranews reported as quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).

Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has proposed the increase in budget to buy more military equipment and improve the welfare of the soldier.

In the draft state budget, the defense ministry was given a budget of Rp95 trillion less than its original proposal of Rp105 trillion.

Around Rp30 trillion of the proposed additional budget would be used to buy military equipment, Mahfud said.

In 2015, the budget for the military is Rp102 trillion.

Ryamizard also proposed to set aside Rp450 billion of the military to strengthen military bases in border areas such as on the island of Natuna.

Strong Natuna base is important with potential conflicts in South China Sea, the retired four star general said. (T/P008/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)