Jakarta – An increasing number of Indonesian Military (TNI) officers are being dismissed from active duty after committing criminal misconduct, Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono said Friday.

"It is understandable that many low-ranking TNI officers commit crimes because of economic problems," Juwono told reporters in his office in Jakarta as quoted by Detikcom news portal.

The minister said besides economic reasons, many soldiers were also discharged for being absent without leave.

"I've signed a lot of letters of dishonorable dismissal for soldiers who were absent without leave for six months," he said. "And this kind of violation can be found in each of the three TNI branches."

Juwono said his ministry was taking measures to reduce the rate of disciplinary violations, including increasing the soldiers' meal allowance from Rp 20,000 (US$2.20) a day. "I will increase the amount to Rp 35,000 a day," he said.