Jakarta (ANTARA) - President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo is seeking a transformation in the defense spending policy into a defense investment policy that is methodically designed.

The president made the statement in his mandate at the 75th Anniversary of the Indonesian Military (TNI) at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Monday.

"To master the latest leap in military technology, we must undertake serious efforts to change our policy from a defense spending policy to a defense investment one," the head of state noted virtually in Jakarta.

The president conveyed that the defense investment policy was systematically designed and implemented consistently and sustainably.

The head of state emphasized that only through this long-term defense investment will the TNI be able to become a modern war force that stays abreast of the most advanced technological developments.

"Organizational and technological transformation must be supported by the transformation of renowned personnel in facing war and non-war military operations," he expounded.

On the occasion, the president especially expressed his gratitude to the TNI soldiers always ready to fulfill their call of duty and guard the Pancasila, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), UUD 1945 constitution, and Unity in Diversity (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika).

"Those, who serve with full sincerity in the rural, border, and remote areas as well as frontier islands, and who serve abroad as peacekeeping troops. I would like to extend my highest appreciation to TNI soldiers, who have always been at the forefront of humanity," he added. Related news: Military chief discloses work plan for primary weaponry defense system
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Translator: Rangga P, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
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