Erika Anindita, Jakarta – Representatives of 20 mass organizations signed on Friday an agreement with the Defense Ministry to support a state defense program that will involve Indonesian civilians.

"The strength that would be developed through this program is not physical strength or military skills but spiritual strength based on patriotism and nationalism," Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said in a press conference in Jakarta on Friday.

The minister expressed the hope that more organizations would take part the state defense program, which kicked off on Oct. 22, 2015. Since the program kicked off, more than 4,500 people had expressed their readiness to become trainers in the program, said the minister.

The government aimed to provide 100 million Indonesians with quasi-military training through the state defense program over the next ten years, he added.

Among organizations that signed an agreement were the Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI), Red and White Troops (LMP), Comedian Art Association (PSKI), Indonesian National State Defense Association (IKBNRI), Bikers Brotherhood MC Indonesia, Indonesian Islamic Boarding Schools Association (IPI) and Indonesia Genetic Working Group.

The program aimed to encourage people to be more disciplined, optimistic, hard working as well as to provide people with leadership skills, the minister said. (bbn)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/02/12/20-organizations-support-state-defense-program.html