Texmaco wanted to produce weapons

JAKARTA: Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto proposed on Thursday that the ailing Texmaco company be turned into a defense firm producing military equipment, including weapons.

"I have made that suggestion to the President and I am still waiting for the government's response," Endriartono said.

He said the company's factory, which produces trucks and buses, has the ability and necessary machinery to manufacture military equipment such as armored vehicles and tanks.

"For me it would be much better if we could use the factory, which could profit the government ... ," the general said.

The government is currently conducting a technological and financial audit of the company, which is saddled with debts of Rp 28 trillion. --JP