TNI plans to add personnel, weapons

TNI plans to add personnel, weapons

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) unveiled on
Thursday a plan to enhance its arsenal and manpower reserves in a
bid to address the escalating threats of security disturbances
and social unrest in the country.

Speaking in a hearing with the House of Representatives
Commission I on defense and security, TNI chief Admiral Widodo
A.S. said the program would focus on personnel recruitment and
weaponry purchase, costing the government no less than Rp 178
billion (US$24 million) in the upcoming fiscal year which starts
in April.

"If the House fails to approve the proposal, it is certain
that TNI will lack preparedness capability," Widodo told the
House legislators.

Last month, the government proposed to the House a more than
10 percent increase in overall defense and security expenditures,
setting the budget at Rp 10.1 trillion for the 2000 fiscal year
between April and December. The budget was set at Rp 12.2
trillion in the previous fiscal year which covered 12 months.

President Abdurrahman said the increase for defense, as well
as the education and social welfare sectors, was needed "for the
sake of stability".

Widodo said on Thursday that TNI had allocated Rp 63 billion
to recruit 11,500 army soldiers -- it will need to fill the shoes
of some 32,000 troops who will have their ranks promoted at the
end of the year. The recruitment expenditure makes up nearly 56.7
percent of the total budget for the army.

The Navy has also disclosed a long-term plan to build its
troops to 70,000 within five years, in accordance with its goal
of expanding the Marines force.

TNI will also release its personnel who are due to retire or
who, through government service, are required to leave the
military.

"We will sincerely comply with growing sentiment that we take
a back seat in sociopolitical affairs and concentrate our efforts
on improved professionalism," he said.

TNI has some 250,000 personnel in three forces.

Also included in this year's military budget are the purchase
of two warships of Parchim class which will cost the government
Rp 30 billion.

The Air Force has also requested Rp 34 billion to modify seven
F-16 combat planes.

"We expect to increase the competence and skills of the Navy
and Air Force personnel in their daily operations," he said
without elaboration.

The last major project proposed in the next fiscal year is
weaponry and ammunition inventory, which is expected to cost Rp
51.6 billion.

At least 6,230 weapons and six millions bullets of various
calibers will be bought to fulfill the need for standard weapons,
according to the TNI chief.

Widodo admitted that TNI found it difficult to buy spare parts
for its major defense system due to an embargo imposed by the
United States in connection with alleged human rights violations
here.

"We keep looking for breakthroughs and alternative arms
producers, including China, to meet the minimum standards for
defense equipment," Widodo said.

In the future, TNI may develop a domestic arms industry in
order to decrease the country's dependence on foreign weapons
suppliers.

Widodo said the proposed military build-up would be aimed at
supporting the government's efforts to quell the ongoing unrest,
restore peace and create conditions conducive to dialog and
reconciliation.

Accompanying Widodo in the hearing were Army chief of staff
Gen. Tyasno Sudarto, Navy chief of staff Admiral Achmad
Soetjipto, Air Force Commander Marshal Hanafie Hasnan, TNI Deputy
Chief Gen. Fachrul Razi and TNI Chief of General Affairs Lt. Gen.
Suaidi Marasabessy. (emf)