President: Indonesia rich in war doctrines
The Jakarta Post | Wed, 03/11/2009 5:54 PM
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said Indonesia is rich in war doctrines accumulated in the course of its history.
"In the course of history, Indonesia has become rich in war doctrines and tactics on conventional warfare, guerrilla warfare, and the war against terrorism," the president said in a lecture to mark the dedication of the Indonesian Defense University (UPI) at the State Palace on Wednesday as quoted by Antara state news agency.
The president said that in line with the changes in the world order, a special institution like the Defense University was needed to widen the knowledge and horizons of the Indonesian people.
Speaking to reporters after dedicating the Defense University, Yudhoyono said the National Defense Forces (TNI) soldiers and National Police (Polri) officers, along with their civilian partners, should continue to increase their knowledge and widen their horizons.
"This institution is expected to develop and be a credible and world-class university. We hope TNI soldiers and those who have profound interest in defense, security, and other strategic matters can be developed at this university," the president said.
The idea to establish the Defense University was raised by the government in January 2008. The idea was then worked out by the Defense Ministry in cooperation with the National Education Ministry and other
colleges in the country.
In cooperation with various colleges in Indonesia, UPI opens three main post-graduate programs, namely Strategic School for Universal War (SSPS), National Defense Forces (TNI) Command and Staff School (Sesko TNI), and School of Defense and Strategic Studies (SKPS).
On the occasion President Yudhoyono said Indonesia's strategic geographic location would make the country with its political and economic strengths important in international friendship.
To mark the dedication of UPI, the Defense Ministry was organizing an international seminar themed "Indonesia 2025: Geopolitical and Security Challenges".
In his opening address, Juwono Sudarsono said it was time for Indonesia to have defense education institution which was relevant to the country's interest and role at Asia-Pacific region and G-20 countries.
The defense minister said UPI was expected to improve the quality of education in the field of defense, and to be the source of both military and civilian leaders in the future, especially in making national
strategic policies at defense and security level.
"We want this institution to create thinkers who are able to bring our nation into the context of regional, national, and even global changes," Sudarsono said.
He added that UPI alumni in the next ten to fifteen years were also expected to become national leaders who would be able to make Indonesia a self-confident, more competitive, and civilized country in international eyes.
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