Assuming Retired TNI AD Pension Money Is Small, Jokowi: I'll Call The Minister Of Finance, I'll Invite The Counts

Photo: BPMI Setpres/Muchlis Jr

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo admits that the amount of pensions for retired Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), including those from the Army (AD), is still insufficient. However, Jokowi did not promise to increase its value.

"I convey what Mr. Doni Munardo said earlier. I know, I know, that the pension salary for enlisted personnel is at Rp. 2.6 million, right? For non-commissioned officers, it is at Rp. 3.5 million, correct? ) IDR 4.1 million, right? I know, I know, I know what else is in Jabodetabek, this figure is still very low," President Jokowi said at the Sentul International Convention Center Bogor, Friday, August 5, quoted from Antara.

President Jokowi conveyed this when opening the National Gathering of the Indonesian Army Retired Association (PPAD) 2022.

Previously, Chairman of PPAD Lt. Gen. TNI (Ret.) Doni Monardo in his speech asked President Jokowi to increase pension benefits for retired officers.

"The government has given THR, the government has also given the 13th salary but I know it's still not enough. I can't promise, because I said earlier that our APBN is in a difficult position," said the President.

However, President Jokowi said that he would do his best to increase the benefits of retired retirees.

"But when I return from here, I will call the Minister of Finance, I will invite the calculations, when the calculations are final, I will convey to all of you, ladies and gentlemen," added the President.

In his remarks, President Jokowi said that in 2030, Indonesia's "gross domestic product (GDP) position will be in the 7th largest ranking in the world and in 2045 it will be in 4th position in the world. However, this can only be done if the government and the community continues to support infrastructure development, downstreaming of raw materials, digitizing micro, small and medium enterprises.

"In the end, what? If we are consistent and dare to carry out downstreaming, our economic growth and GDP will be 3 times from what it is now, from 1.2 - 1.3 trillion US dollars to more than 3 trillion, in the end what? big, in the end, what? The portion of the budget for salaries and pensions will also be bigger. But wait for 2030. In a moment, I will tell you that it was a joke," said the President, laughing a little.

President Jokowi also expressed his gratitude for the service of the retired retirees.

"Ladies and gentlemen have never stopped being kind while active as members of the TNI, always doing their best in carrying out their duties and even after retirement, they have never let go of their hearts and minds for this country we love. For that I convey on behalf of the people and the government a big thank you -the magnitude," added the President.

When giving his speech, Doni Monardo said that the dedication of a state bhayangkari knows no boundaries, space, and time so that the main PPAD program that is being rolled out is in the welfare sector considering that most retired officers still need to get welfare.

"Mr President, we are sorry we have to convey sponsorship messages from seniors, including from enlisted and retired non-commissioned officers. Hopefully the government and the state have sufficient budgets, please be pleased to increase pension benefits for retired officers," said Doni Munardo.

Present at the event were Indonesia's 6th Vice President Try Sutrisno, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, SOE Minister Erick Thohir, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General Dudung Abdurachman.