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I still have trust in TNI, Jokowi tells Prabowo
Jokowi said command centers in Natuna regency, in Riau Islands as well as in Sorong, West Papua, showed how Indonesia was ready to anticipate a foreign threat.
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Incumbent President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo speaks during the fourth presidential candidate debate held at Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta, on March 30, which discussed ideology, governance, security and foreign affairs. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
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residential candidate Joko “Jokowi” Widodo shrugged off a concern expressed by challenger Prabowo Subianto, who questioned the capability of the Indonesian Military (TNI) to protect the country.
The retired army general said “Indonesia’s defense is too weak” because the budget allocated for defense was too small, claiming that “all of our money is flowing overseas.”
“I think Pak Prabowo does not have faith in our military. As a civilian, I have great faith in our military,” Jokowi said.
Jokowi went on to mention that command centers in Natuna regency, in Riau Islands as well as in Sorong, West Papua, showed how Indonesia was ready to anticipate a foreign threat.
Instead, the former businessman said Indonesia should be concerned about possible internal conflict.
“According to information from defense strategists, there is no threat of foreign invasion in the next 20 years. What is more important is domestic conflict, which will be amplified by technology,” Jokowi said.
“Our defense budget is Rp 107 trillion, the second-biggest after the Public Works and Housing Ministry. This is not a joke, even though some improvement is needed.” he added.
Prabowo was quick to question the claim, saying that the budget allocated for the military was no more than 1.5 percent of the state budget. (fac)
