"The meeting has discussed the development of state-run companies in the defense industry sector," Jokowi stated after a cabinet meeting held at the dockyard of state-owned ship manufacturer PT PAL in Surabaya, East Java, on Monday.
The meeting covered discussions on efforts to encourage the development of a self-reliant defense industry.
"To make it self-reliant, our defense industry must be given priority to meet demand of the weaponry system in the country," he noted.
The Defense Ministry and other ministries must buy the weaponry from national industries.
"If the Defense Ministry, Maritime Police, or Customs Office want to buy submarine, for instance, then the order should be given to PT PAL," he stated.
Jokowi pointed out that the demand for bullets can be met by state-owned weaponry manufacturer PT Pindad.
"If necessary, a 15-year-long procurement contract can be in place as a form of consistent planning to encourage our national defense industry," he asserted.
In addition to the domestic market, Jokowi remarked that the national defense industry is expected to boost its competitiveness in the international market.
"PT PAL has begun to export warships to some countries. However, most importantly, it should meet the domestic demand first, then we can speak about exports," he reiterated.
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Translator: Fiqih Arfani, Sri Haryati
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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