Indonesian defense budget up by 35% next year

Iron eagles: Several Sukhoi fighter jets of the Indonesian Air Force in a fly past during the 66th celebration of the Indonesian Military (TNI) at the TNI headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta on Wednesday.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Wednesday that the defense budget would increase to Rp 64.4 trillion (US$7 billion) in 2012, from Rp 47.5 trillion this year.

“Due to the importance and strategic roles of the military, the government is focusing on developing it,” Yudhoyono said during an event held to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the Indonesian military (TNI), in Jakarta.

The President added that the budget would help Indonesia reach its target for a minimum essential force (MEF) in 2025.

“We will focus on modernizing military equipment and improving the welfare of soldiers and their families. This is part of the government’s commitment to developing a professional military,” Yudhoyono said.

He added that he expected the additional budget to improve the military's capacity to defend Indonesia.

Source: The Jakarta Post