Timika, Papua – Army chief Lt. Gen. Agustadi Sasongko Purnomo says he would urge the government to upgrade its arsenal which has become outdated because of a limited defense budget.

Agustadi made the statement after inspecting Infantry Battalion 754 in Eme Neme Kangase in Timika last Friday.

Most guns, rifles and armored vehicles used by the Army battalions, including those along national borders shared with Papua New Guinea, he said, should have been scrapped and could only be used "to scare our enemies."

"Mimika is home to mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia, one of several things which must be protected from security disturbances," Agustadi said. "Soldiers should not disturb locals or get involved in conflicts with police," he said.

Agustadi also asked provincial military leaders to help reinforce military discipline and build a good public image. "Soldiers must not get drunk, have self-control and most importantly local military should maintain its neutrality."