The World is Getting More Uncertain, Foreign Minister Sugiono: Indonesia Must Strengthen Defense

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono. (Teddy Kurniawan VOI)

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister (Menlu) Sugiono emphasized that Indonesia must strengthen its defense amid an increasingly uncertain world situation. He conveyed this when referring to the purchase of defense equipment, including the French-made Rafale fighter aircraft, as well as the sustainability of Indonesian troops' duties in Lebanon.

Sugiono said the purchase of the main weapons system or alutsista cannot be done quickly. The process, he said, is long and takes time.

"That is what the President always reminds us that the name of the military equipment is that we cannot buy it like buying goods at a supermarket," Sugiono told reporters at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Wednesday, April 22.

He gave an example of the procurement of Rafale fighter aircraft from France which has been discussed for about four years. When asked whether the number of Rafales would increase, Sugiono did not answer in detail and asked questions about the exact number to be directed to the Ministry of Defense. However, he said that the discussion was still in the package that had previously been discussed.

According to Sugiono, the current state of the world is too uncertain to be taken lightly. Conflicts can break out at any time for various reasons. Therefore, Indonesia must prepare itself, not only economically strong, but also strong in defense.

On the same occasion, Sugiono also explained the development of Indonesian troops in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon or UNIFIL. He said there had been preliminary results of the investigation into the incident, but Indonesia was still pushing for a thorough investigation.

Furthermore, he said, personnel from the unit that was previously at the location of the attack have now been moved elsewhere. Despite the incident, the government still plans to complete the mandate of the Indonesian troops in UNIFIL by the end of this year.