Hasto Alludes To The Procurement Of The Prabowo Era Alutsista Through PT TMI Ahead Of The Debate Of The Defense Bertema Presidential Election

Secretary General of the PDI-P (PDIP) Hasto Kristiyanto alluded to Prabowo Subianto's policy as Minister of Defense (Menhan). One of them is related to the alleged procurement of defense equipment through PT Teknologi Militer Indonesia (TMI) which is filled by a colleague of the General Chairperson of the Gerindra Party.

This was conveyed by Hasto when talking about the readiness of the presidential candidate number three, Ganjar Pranowo, facing a defense-themed debate on Sunday, January 7. Initially, he ensured that Ganjar-Mahfud MD put forward a geographical aspect in Indonesia's defense if he won the 2024 presidential election.

"So we have the sea as the future. That will be conveyed (in the debate, ed)," Hasto told reporters at the PDIP DPP office, Menteng, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, January 2.

This condition was later called different from Prabowo Subianto when he served as Minister of Defense. "Even for the procurement of defense equipment, it runs out for a PT Teknologi Militer Indonesia which contains its close friends," he said.

Not only that, Hasto also mentioned Prabowo's steps, who likes to shop for defense equipment, to loans abroad, swelled by hundreds of trillions of rupiah. In fact, on the other hand, the people need help to deal with the increase in basic prices.

"Pak Prabowo actually increased foreign debt by Rp. 386 trillion to buy defense equipment, not by empowering the national industry, the ability of the nation's children to make a leap of progress by believing in their own abilities," he said.

As previously reported, the General Elections Commission (KPU) has announced a schedule for the 2024 presidential election. This activity will be held five times and will take place in Jakarta.

In the inaugural debate held last Tuesday, December 12, the theme was law, human rights (HAM), government, eradication of corruption, and strengthening democracy. The presidential candidates have explained their vision and mission.

Next, the second debate was held on December 22 with economic themes (symbolism and digital), social welfare, investment, trade, taxes (digital), finance, state budget management. This activity was attended by vice presidential candidates (cawapres).

In the third debate, the KPU determined that the theme was defense, security, geopolitical, and international relations. This activity will be held on January 7th.

The fourth debate will be held on January 21, 2024, carrying the theme of energy, natural resources (SDA), SMN, carbon taxes, the environment and agrarianism, as well as indigenous peoples.

Finally, the debate was held on February 4, 2024 with the theme of information technology, improving public services, hoaxes, intolerance, education, health (post-COVID Society), and employment.