Regarding our nation's future, we must be optimistic that we are on the right track. Indonesia will be a great country
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has said that retired officers of the National Defense Forces (TNI) must continue to contribute to the country and the nation.



"I support retired officers seeking to participate in the economic sector because the economy will be the support of the national defense. The old soldier never dies, but for Indonesia, they never fade away," Subianto remarked at the “National Gathering of the National Retired Army Association (PPAD) 2022” at Sentul International Convention Center, Bogor, West Java, on Friday.



He said that all residents, including retired army officers, must work to ensure that Indonesia's progress is on the right track.



"Regarding our nation's future, we must be optimistic that we are on the right track. Indonesia will be a great country. Hence, we need to protect Indonesia," Subianto added, according to a press statement.


Related news: Prabowo highlights several commonalities between Gerindra and Democrat


The government is committed to improving retired officers' welfare, including by reforming the military and police officers' insurance company PT ASABRI, the minister emphasized.



"I want to inform that ASABRI has been reformed. ASABRI is now recovering, and we will improve all other aspects for you to enjoy. The President earlier said that he is also committed to improving (the company)," Subianto said.


Related news: Indonesia to continue defence industry cooperation with Japan

He also affirmed that the development strategies conceived by past national leaders were correct, and the current government is committed to accelerating national development.



The national gathering was organized to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the PPAD. Government ministers and at least eight thousand army retirees participated in the event. Indonesian Army Chief of Staff, General Dudung Abdurrahman, was also invited to speak at the event.


Related news: Minister Subianto receives vice president of European Investment Bank

Related news: Universities across Indonesia urged to pay more attention to STEM

Translator: Syaiful Hakim, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022