Joint exercise needed despite tough economic condition

Antara , Jakarta | Wed, 06/18/2008 4:00 PM | National

Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono said Tuesday that the on- going Indonesian Military (TNI)'s joint exercise had to be carried out despite difficult economic conditions.

"The joint training costs some Rp 55 billion (US$5.91 million)," he said.

"Despite the tough economic condition, the training needs to be done because of Indonesia's strategic position in the Asia Pacific region.

"The training is two years late, it should have been conducted in 2005."

The joint training involves more than 30,000 soldiers from Air Force, Army and Navy and is being carried out from June 6-20. It takes place in four places: Batam and Natuna in Riau Islands, Singkawang in West Kalimantan and Sangatta in East Kalimantan.

Juwono also said good coordination was needed between the defense ministry, TNI headquarters and other related ministries, such as the marine affairs and fisheries ministry, transportation ministry, tax and excise directorate general, to secure the traffic of merchant and military ships. (****)

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