President inaugurates Indonesia’s first defense university

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Wed, 03/11/2009 1:26 PM  |  National

On Wednesday, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono officially unveiled plans for the Indonesian Defense University (IDU), the first of its kind in the country.

In his speech at the launching ceremony at the State Palace, Yudhoyono said he expects the institution to help both military officers and civilians develop their knowledge.

"I hope the IDU develops knowledge and ideas surrounding the main issues of defense and security; the evolution of modern warfare, its tactics and strategies; military technology; and defense economics," he said.

With dynamic changes to global political and economic conditions, as well as the growth of defense ties with other countries, Indonesia needed to improve its strategic defense capabilities, Yudhoyono said.

Indonesia is the third country in the region to establish such an institution. Singapore established its defense university in 2005 and Malaysia in 2007. (dre)

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