General Dudung Said That Those Who Enter The Army Are Usually Not Rich People, So Don't Burden Soldiers To Buy PDL

KSAD General Dudung Abdurachman (Photo via TNI AD)

JAKARTA - The results of his visit to a number of operational areas opened the eyes of the Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General TNI Dudung Abdurachman. There are still many soldiers who feel burdened by buying PDL.

After officially becoming KSAD, Dudung immediately went around to a number of operational areas, including border areas, such as Natuna, Entikong, and Sebatik Island, as well as conflict areas such as Poso in Central Sulawesi and several areas in Papua when he was officially inaugurated.

During his visit to a number of areas of operation, the Army Chief of Staff found that soldiers were still burdened with buying clothes while on duty.

"For us it might be easy. But for them? I asked, how much did you buy? Ready (the soldier said) Rp. 400 thousand," said Dudung, reiterating his findings during a visit to the area of operation.

According to Dudung, Rp. 400 thousand for them is a big expense, so his party ordered the Logistics Assistant (Aslog) of Kasad to prioritize buying clothes for soldiers.

"I have ordered Aslog, each soldier will be given (uniforms) 4 sets of PDL, 2 sets of shoes, 4 sets of socks, 4 sets of socks, as well as a helmet. So, don't let me hear that another soldier is buying it," said the Army Chief of Staff. General Dudung at TNI AD Headquarters (Mabesad), Jakarta, Monday, February 7, quoted from Antara.

For Dudung, who had a wealth of over IDR 1 billion in 2021, the welfare of soldiers must always be a priority for the military commanders and unit commanders, namely military resort commanders (danrem), battalion commanders (danyon), and military district commanders (dandim).

"I convey to all the commanders (military regional command-ed) check how his house (soldiers) are, his clothes, because basically people who enter the army are definitely not rich people. Surely people don't have one," said Dudung.

Dudung also plans to revive the free milk program for soldiers and their families which was initiated by the retired General TNI. M. Yusuf.

"God willing, I will imitate General M. Jusuf's (programme). So, every army soldier will get canned milk every month. Previously it was called Susu Shinta, I am a soldier so I can get it. Later it will be called Serdadu Milk," said Dudung Abdurachman.