Defense ministry boosts efficiency

BANDUNG: The Ministry of Defense is imposing efficiency measures aimed at reducing annual wastage by 10 percent, the defense minister says.

Giving an example, Minister Juwono Sudarsono said the procurement of cars for his ministry and the Indonesian Military (TNI) would be reduced and restricted to certain makes and models.

"Around 20 car manufacturers normally take part in tenders held by the ministry and TNI. The number of vehicles, makes and models needs to be put in order," Juwono said after addressing new students of the master of defense studies program at the Bandung Institute of Technology on Monday.

Efficiency, he said, would allow the ministry to improve the welfare of servicemen and women, and build more houses for them.

Quoting noted economist, the late Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, Juwono said wastage in the bureaucracy, including his ministry, accounted for 30 percent of annual budgets. -- JP