The Indonesian Army will modernize its
major weapons systems with a budget of Rp 14 trillion after a 20-year hiatus in
such acquisitions, Army chief of staff Gen. Pramono Edhie Wibowo said on Thursday.
“The state has allocated a huge budget for
the Army to modernize its weapons after more than 20 years without such
modernization programs,” he was quoted as saying by Antaranews.com.
He was speaking to reporters after a
ceremony observing the 66th Juang Kartika Day to commemorate the
Ambarawa Battle in which the young, ill-equipped, Indonesian Army managed to
drive Allied forces from Ambarawa, Central Java, after a four-day battle.
“The Army development is aimed at reaching
the minimum essential force by improving units’ operational readiness, human
resources, administrative discipline, as well as the welfare of soldiers, civil
servants and their families,” he said.
Pramono emphasized that weapons acquisition
had to be focused on matching the capabilities of armies in neighboring
countries.
“This way, we can continue to increase the
number and quality of joint exercises with neighboring countries,” he said.
“It has already been agreed with
neighboring countries to maintain regional security and protect our countries.”
The ceremony was held at Kujang II 15th
Infantry Brigade headquarters in Cimahi, West Java
with up to 7,000 soldiers from all army units taking part in the ceremony.
The ceremony included a skydive by 66
paratroops as well as a parade of the Army’s armored personnel. Various social
activities were also carried out across the nation by individual Army units and
bases.
Prior to 1999, the day was celebrated as
Infantry Day.
Under the leadership of Gen. Sudirman,
Indonesian soldiers laid siege to Ambarawa starting on Dec. 12, 1945, cutting off
the Allies’ supply lines and forcing them to retreat from the strategic city.
It was believed that Allied forces could recapture Central Java had they
maintained control of the hilly town of Ambarawa. (swd)
