SBY Asks the Ministry of Defense to Postpone the Alutsista Purchase

JAKARTA - The 6th President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), asked the Ministry of Defense to postpone the purchase of the main equipment for the Indonesian National Army (Alutsista) weapon system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Indeed, the modernization of defense equipment and the building of the TNI's strength are important tasks. But, in my opinion, we have to postpone it, it is not good," said SBY in an interview with CNBC TV, Friday, August 14.

Currently, the main enemy of Indonesia and even the world is a virus outbreak. Meanwhile, the procurement of defense equipment is to deal with military threats.

According to SBY, almost no country is currently set to launch a war that will end in the third world war.

"There are indeed flashpoints if there's something in a number of places that could lead to a 3rd World War. The situation in the Middle East and America-China, for example. But, in my opinion, the hot geopolitics won't be as easy as it is to lead to war" said SBY.

"It is impossible to just jointly wage a major war in the world. Moreover, in the current pandemic situation," he added.

Therefore, SBY suggested that the government should focus the defense budget on handling COVID-19 in the health sector and national economic recovery.

"Later, if (the handling of the outbreak) has recovered, the economy grows again, please continue. Whether it's for defense, education, any infrastructure can be resumed. It's also important," he said.