Jokowi noted that the TKDN of defense products was currently at 41 percent.
"I request that the TKDN of superior defense products should continue to be increased from the current figure of 41 percent. I hope that in the end, it will be 100 percent," Jokowi stated during the launch of Defend ID in Surabaya as monitored from the Presidential Secretariat's official YouTube channel, Wednesday.
He also drew attention to another promise associated with the formation of Defend ID, specifically that the SOE holding can rank in the list of the top 50 defense companies in the world.
"I will not forget the promise," he added.
Apart from being able to meet the need for domestic defense and security products, Jokowi called on Defend ID to become part of the global supply chain.
"We must move quickly, be agile, and observant to spot opportunities. We must also proactively respond to opportunities to become part of the global supply chain. This is very important while prioritizing the fulfillment of domestic needs," he affirmed.
Defend ID is the holding of five state-owned defense industries headed by PT LEN Industri along with PT Pindad, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, PT PAL Indonesia, and PT Dahana.
Jokowi said he was looking forward to seeing Defend ID's contribution to consolidate other SOEs engaged in the defense industry while strengthening the ecosystem and increasing competitiveness and being able to generate profits.
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Along with the launch, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto also signed the agreement between Defend ID and the Ministry of Defense.
The two collaborations signed were with the foreign defense industry, specifically an initial agreement on defense electronics technology between PT LEN Industri and Thales International SAS from France and a memorandum of understanding for the joint production of amphibious assault vehicle products between PT Pindad and FNSS Savunma Sistemleri from Turkey.
Apart from the defense minister, President Jokowi was accompanied by SOE Minister Erick Thohir, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, and East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa during the launch of Defend ID in Surabaya.
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Translator: Gilang Galiartha, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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