"There must be a priority scale. Defense equipment is important, but we must see whether other things are more important, like will we go to war or not," Jokowi remarked after leading the ceremony commemorating the 78th Anniversary of the National Defense Forces (TNI) at the National Monument (Monas) Square here on Thursday.
In his statement at the TNI Anniversary ceremony, Jokowi pressed for prudent spending by the state on defense equipment.
He explained that the three branches of the TNI presented in the defile or parade at Monas demonstrated the complete strength of the Indonesian military.
The president affirmed that the quality of the national defense equipment was proven in the military defile presented at this year's TNI Anniversary.
"We can see and judge it by ourselves. Even though it was only a small part, what was presented was complete and showed more or less what our strength is," he remarked.
Jokowi admitted the need for improvements in the military armament system, but in general, the TNI defense equipment is proper.
"There are still many things we need to improve and evaluate, but in general, I think it is good enough," he explained.
He also announced a budget allocation of Rp39.47 trillion for the modernization of defense equipment in 2024. The budget is already included in the Defense Ministry's spending list.
Meanwhile, TNI personnel distributed essential commodity packages to residents present at the 78th TNI Anniversary commemoration event in Monas.
Apart from distributing assistance, the TNI also held several social activities since September 24, such as free cataract surgery, a mass circumcision event, and blood donation.
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Translator: Rangga J, Indra P, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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