国防相は、TNIが国民に近く、国家警察と協力するようにというジョコウィのメッセージを続けた。

JAKARTA - Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto continued President Joko Widodo's message that the TNI should always be close to the people and unite with the Police and other state officials in carrying out their daily duties.

"We are the TNI, Polri, ASN are all state servants, patriots who fight for all of our people," Prabowo said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, May 3.

The Minister of Defense conveyed this during a working visit to Koramil 12/Gondomanan, Kodim 0734/Yogyakarta City, Wednesday, while handing over 112 units of CFR 150L motorcycles for Village Development Officers (Babinsa).

"I also convey that our President has approved and supported strong defense development, strong TNI development," he said.

Prabowo revealed that the current defense budget is the largest ever given by President Jokowi.

"Acuing defense equipment is not like shopping to supermarkets. There are no defense equipment in supermarkets, coming directly to buy. We have to plan, order and negotiate," said Prabowo.

In his work visit, Defense Minister Prabowo also greeted Babinsa personnel and their family members while asking how long they had served.

"How old, five years old. What do you want to be? Want to be captain. Okay, you will be a strong general later," Prabowo said while talking to the son of one of the Babinsa personnel.

The Defense Minister's working visit was welcomed by the Commander of Kodim 0734/Yogyakarta City Lieutenant Colonel Arh. Burhan Fajari Ardfian and the Chief of Staff of the Command of the IV Diponegoro Brigadier General TNI Ujang Darwis.