Govt to develop defense industry

JAKARTA: In response to a heavy dependence on foreign arms supplies, senior officials of four ministries met on Thursday to discuss a plan to develop the national defense industry.

Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono said the project would focus on low- and middle-level technologies, involving all state- run strategic companies.

Juwono said the defense ministry would allocate Rp 40 billion (US$4 million) each year for research and development to support the program.

Other government institutions involved in the project are the Ministry of Industry, the Office of State Minister of Research and Technology and the National Development Planning Board.

"We hope the project will materialize within 10 to 15 years, and produce equipment such as tactical military vehicles and radar equipment," Juwono said. -- JP