Joint Call To Buy Submarines Forms Public Awareness, But TNI Cannot Accept It

JAKARTA - Military observer Connie Rahakundini Bakrie appreciates the joint invitation initiated by Ustaz Abdul Somad (UAS) to buy a replacement submarine for the KRI Nanggala-402. According to him, the invitation was a form of awareness of the Indonesian people to strengthen national defense.

"It is appreciated that there is awareness in our society that how important our armed forces are," Connie said when contacted by VOI, Tuesday, April 27.

However, he continued, the joint venture could not necessarily realize the purchase of the TNI's main weapon system (alutsista).

"Because it should be noted that the law prohibits the TNI from receiving any assistance apart from the state budget (APBN). So it cannot be accepted (donations, ed). It could be dangerous," Connie explained.

According to him, it would be dangerous if the TNI received assistance other than from the state. For fear that there are certain claims related to assistance.

"As far as I know, none of the world can receive private assistance to its troops. But the intention (joint venture, red) is very good, it must be appreciated but it is not supported by a mechanism," said Connie.

If you want to help the TNI, said Connie, it is enough to support if there is an increase in the budget at the Ministry of Defense. This is because the budget for maintenance, rejuvenation and maintenance of defense equipment is only 30% of the Ministry of Defense's budget. The rest, for routine shopping.

"So non-routine costs must be strengthened, not donated, the state cannot accept it. Because the TNI must come from the state budget," he said.

"UAS can appeal to public awareness to help the government modernize weaponry. We urge people to understand that if the budget is increased it is to safeguard their sovereignty as well," Connie continued.

In addition, there must be a total revolution in the armed forces as the world's maritime axis, especially the change in defense equipment. The government must also strengthen diplomatic relations between countries.

"We can not be a strong country? Yes, but we need not only budget strength but diplomatic strength based on geopolitical knowledge," Connie said.