Need for strong Navy & Air Force

Need for strong Navy & Air Force

From Forum Keadilan

Indonesia's sovereignty should primarily be measured in terms of its ability to maintain the country's territorial land, sea and airspace. The recent maneuvers by U.S. F-18 Hornets above Bawean waters were only one such instance of violation to come to light. Bawean, in East Java, is already liable to intrusion, let alone remote areas near territorial borders.

Two important things have caused the erosion of sovereignty. First, the state no longer considers sovereignty a matter of national dignity. Second, the state has, for a long time, ignored the strengthening of its Navy and Air Force. With the present air and sea fleets at the disposal of the Indonesian Military (TNI), we are not certain of victory in the event of an attack, even by a member country of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Therefore, if we wish to remain sovereign in the country, as a maritime state vulnerable to intrusion, our air and sea defense forces must be strong. So, why should we make such a fuss about the purchase of jet fighters, which are obviously for the defense of sovereignty? It means that the procurement of war planes by the TNI is legitimate, even if they come from Russia.

RIZA RAHARDJO, Jakarta