Bagus BT Saragih and Novan Imam Santosa, Jakarta – On the eve of the 67th anniversary of the Indonesian Military (TNI), the nation's top soldier says there is an urgent need to replace outdated weapon systems that are hindering military operations.
"We, for example, only have light tanks, while our neighbors already have main battle tanks," Army chief Gen. Pramono Edhie Wibowo told reporters at a press conference.
Pramono, who is the brother-in-law of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, also said that the Army has been using anti-aircraft guns manufactured in the 1960s. The TNI would continue to modernize its weapon systems, he said.
Waxing poetic, Pramono dismissed concerns of the high price tag associated with new military procurements. "Beautiful women are expensive. Handsome men are also expensive – and so are our weapon systems."
The Army has embarked on a modernization program that includes the purchase of German-made Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks, Marder infantry fighting vehicles and Mistral surface-to-air missiles. The Army has also recently received deliveries of Brazillian-made Avibras Astross multiple-launch rocket systems.
As part of its public accountability program, the Army plans to hold an exhibition of its weapons systems to mark the TNI's anniversary at National Monument (Monas) square from Saturday to Monday.
Separately, the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) received on Thursday two CN-295 medium transport aircraft to replace aging aircraft. The CN-295s are the first of a US$325 million procurement of nine medium transport aircraft produced by Spain's Airbus Military and state-owned aircraft integrator PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI).
Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said that Indonesia needed transport aircraft for peacetime and wartime operations. "We face the threat of natural disasters. Such aircraft can be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," Purnomo said.
Separately, the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) recorded at least 81 cases of violence allegedly perpetrated by TNI troops between October 2011 and September 2012.
"In Papua alone, we recorded that five people were killed and 39 others seriously injured in numerous military operations," Kontras coordinator Haris Azhar said.
Gufron Mabruri from human rights watchdog Imparsial accused the TNI of non-transparency in its procurement of big-ticket items, such as Russian-made Sukhoi jet fighters.
"There are indications that the prices of the Sukhois are irregular, which is very likely caused by the government's insistence to use a broker in the procurement," Gufron said.