Give A Speech At Naval Expo, Commander General Andika: I Am Sure That The Indonesian Navy Is Increasingly Professional!

TNI Commander General Andika Perkasa/ANTARA

JAKARTA - The TNI Commander General Andika Perkasa, coinciding with the momentum of the 76th Anniversary of the Indonesian Navy (AL) on September 10, 2022, admitted that he was sure that the Indonesian Navy could become more professional. "I believe that the Indonesian Navy is getting more professional, very confident," said General Andika when giving a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Naval Expo industry exhibition at the Samudera Hall, North Jakarta, Antara, Sunday, September 11. This belief, he continued, arose because he heard firsthand the response from several foreign countries participating in the Garuda Shield Joint Exercise with the Indonesian Navy which stated that the Indonesian Navy was so professional. In fact, these countries claim to be proud to be able to train with the Indonesian Navy. In addition, he also said that from individual equipment and main weapons system equipment (defense equipment), the Indonesian Navy can be juxtaposed with developed countries. "It turns out, as soon as we compare it with developed countries that trained together yesterday in the Super Garuda Shield Exercise, from individual equipment, defense equipment, it turns out that we are also quite equal. Not exactly the same but quite equal," said Andika. According to him, this should be proud because it means that the Indonesian Navy is able to present individual equipment or international standard defense equipment. "It is very proud to show that leadership in the Navy can bring individual equipment or defense equipment which is indeed becoming an international standard. This is very proud," he said. In fact, Andika also views the Indonesian Navy as an organization that has run at maximum speed amid budget constraints. Andika hopes that the budget, both the Indonesian Navy and the Ministry of Defense, in terms of procuring the main weapons system equipment (defense equipment), can always be used carefully to carry out efficient procurement without reducing its quality. "If this continues to be maintained, the most important continuity, and leadership is also maintained, the Indonesian Navy can advance according to the budget," he said. In the future, Andika assesses that the Indonesian Navy still has many opportunities to train together with developed countries, such as in terms of mobilizing amphibious forces. Furthermore, related to Naval Expo 2022, Andika admitted that she was enthusiastic to see the maritime industry exhibition at the Balai Samudera Building. According to him, Naval Expo 2022 can provide all the support for the country's maritime industry that uses the latest technology. Thus, the Navy can operate and carry out daily activities optimally, even being respected by neighboring countries. "Congratulations to Naval Expo 2022. Hopefully we can all see attendance, starting from home industry, MSMEs, to larger industries, which are indeed proven (secured), then very supportive of the operational efficiency of the Indonesian Navy, both daily and in the context of operations. Good luck and Dirgahayu TNI Navy," said Andika. Naval Expo 2022 is an exhibition of the maritime industry held by the Navy (AL) as one of a series of activities to commemorate the 77th Anniversary of the Indonesian Navy which falls on September 10, 2022. This activity was held by the Indonesian Navy as a form of appreciation to the community and the national maritime industry because the progress achieved by the Indonesian Navy so far cannot be separated from the role and contribution of the national maritime industry. The Naval Expo 2022 was officially opened by General Andika accompanied by the Chief of Naval Staff (Kasal) Admiral Yudo Margono, Central Commander of the Indonesian Navy Hydro-Oceanography Center (Danpushidrosal) Vice Admiral TNI Nurhidayat as chairman of the organizing committee, and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy (Wakasal) Admiral TNI Ahmadi Heri Purwono. The Naval Expo 2022 will be held for 8 days, from 11 to 18 September 2022 at 09.00 —20.00 WIB at the Balai Samudera Building and can be attended by visitors for free.