"We have just agreed to a proposal to allocate Rp450 billion to strengthen the TNI (military) base in Natuna," the chairman of the House Commission I, Mahfudz Siddiq, said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The House of Representatives Commission I, overseeing defense, has approved allocation of Rp450 billion for the Ministry of Defense to strengthen the military base in Natuna in anticipation of the conflict in the South China Sea.

"We have just agreed to a proposal to allocate Rp450 billion to strengthen the TNI (military) base in Natuna," the chairman of the commission, Mahfudz Siddiq, said after a meeting between the commission and the Ministry of Defense here on Monday.

He said Natuna, in fact, had certain means and facilities but these were not receiving proper maintenance care and had never been developed.

He said with regard to the main weapon system equipment, TNI could actually move the equipment to the region but needed good facilities such as an airbase, a runway and a port for navy ships.

Mahfudz said there had been an escalation of tension in the South China Sea and it would affect the economic battle between China and the US.

He said Indonesia could not close its eyes to the fact that a lot of military conflicts in the past were triggered by conflicts over economic interests.

"We have asked the Ministry of Defense to respond and, at the same time, anticipate possible national tension if the situation in the South China Sea continued to escalate further," he said.

He said at the meeting that the House Commission I had asked the Defense Ministry about the anticipatory measures and was told that the ministry and the TNI had already prepared certain strategic measures.

One of the measures is strengthening the TNI base on the island of Natuna but budget allocation for this was yet to be made.

"This program has not yet been supported with budget because it has to be adjusted in view of the latest developments (in the region)," he said.

In view of that, the House Commission I has now given its approval for reallocation of budget for this program.

Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said he had postponed purchase of main weapon system equipment until 2016 but would reallocate the budget to improve infrastructure on the island of Natuna, immediately bordering the South China Sea.

"The purchase of aircraft has not become a priority. It does not stand cancelled but has been postponed. The important part now is to deal with the escalating situation in the South China Sea," he said at the meeting.

He said countries like the US and China are now competing for the South China Sea region.

He said Indonesia has good relations with the two countries but when condition in the region heats up, Indonesia must not stay idle.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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