"I reiterate what Mr. Doni Monardo said earlier. I know, I know, that the pension salary for enlisted personnel is capped at Rp2.6 million, right? For non-commissioned officers, it is capped at Rp3.5 million, correct? And for first officer, captains (it is as much as) Rp4.1 million, right? I know, I know, I know, especially those in the Greater Jakarta area, this amount is still very low," President Jokowi stated at the Sentul International Convention Center Bogor on Friday.
The head of state delivered the statement during the National Gathering of the National Retired Army Association 2022.
Chairman of the National Retired Army Association Lieutenant General (Ret.) Doni Monardo called on President Jokowi to increase the pension for retired officers.
"The government has given holiday allowance, the government has also given the 13th salary, but I know it is still not enough. I do not promise, because I said earlier that our state budget is (not) in a (very good condition)," the president remarked.
However, Jokowi vouched to do his best to increase the benefits for retired officers.
"However, after this event, I will call the finance minister, I will (do the calculations with her). Once the calculations are finalized, I will tell it to all of you, ladies and gentlemen," the president remarked.
President Jokowi stated that in 2030, Indonesia had the seventh-highest gross domestic product (GDP) in the world, and it would rise to the 4th position in 2045. However, this could only be achieved only if the government and the public continued to support infrastructure development, downstreaming of raw materials, and digitizing of micro, small, and medium enterprises.
"What is it, eventually? If we are consistent and have the courage to pursue downstreaming, our economic growth and GDP will be threefold of what it is now, from US$1.2 to 1.3 trillion to more than 3 trillion. And then what? The budget allocation for salaries and pensions will also be bigger. However, it has to wait until 2030. Hang on, I was kidding," the president said as he chuckled.
President Jokowi also expressed gratitude to the retired officers for their services and contribution.
"Ladies and gentlemen have never stopped (contributing), either while (you were) active as members of the National Defense Force, always doing the best in conducting their duties; and even after retirement, have never (ceased to pray and think) for this country we love. Thus, I, on behalf of the people and the government, express utmost gratitude," he remarked.
Monardo stated in his speech that the dedication of a soldier knew no boundaries, space, or time. Thus, the association's main program was about pursuing welfare on account of the fact that most retired officers had yet to lead a prosperous life.
"Mr. President, we are sorry that we have to convey sponsorship messages from seniors, including from enlisted and retired non-commissioned officers. Hopefully, the government and the state would have sufficient budgets, please increase the pension benefits for retired officers," he remarked.
Attendees at the event comprised the sixth Vice President Try Sutrisno, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and Chief of the Army Staff General Dudung Abdurachman.
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Translator: Desca L N, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
