Markus Junianto Sihaloho – The Ministry of Defense announced on Monday that it had wrapped up an audit that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had ordered a few months ago following a string of deadly military accidents.

In a closed meeting, Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono and Military Chief Gen. Djoko Santoso detailed the audit in front of House of Representatives' Commission I, which oversees defense and foreign affairs.

Speaking after the meeting, Djoko said some military equipment would have to be scuttled. He declined to disclose details, saying such information was confidential.

But a document provided by the Defense Ministry for legislators outlined a host of problems the military was facing in its maintenance programs, including a shortage of spare parts and minimal support facilities such as docks and workshops for repairs. The document also complained of an inadequate budget.

An array of such factors has forced the military to compromise the quality of replacement parts used in maintenance, including some aircraft, the document stated.

Djoko said Yudhoyono had ordered overall maintenance to be stepped up and stressed that the safety of military personnel would be the top concern.

"So the limited budget must be used for efficiently maintaining military weaponry, but only those often used by the military in its operations," Juwono said.

Both Juwono and Djoko said large military purchases would have to be delayed for at least five years.

Yudhoyono ordered the Defense Ministry to conduct an audit that began in June to look into the military's budget needs and to inspect all military equipment.