While addressing the press at his office in Jakarta on Tuesday, Head of the ministry's Information Bureau Brigadier General Frega Ferdinand Wenas Inkiriwang noted that the event was originally planned for November 2024 but was postponed due to elections.
"Last year, we were all busy with preparations for the presidential and legislative elections, prompting the government to focus on these democratic processes as they determined the direction of this nation," he said.
Inkiriwang added that the event will offer Indonesia a valuable opportunity to promote the national defense industry and serve as a platform for defense diplomacy.
The official also pointed to the potential economic benefits the nation could gain by hosting the event.
"This event will likely provide us with a chance to sell Indonesia's defense products, resulting in economic gains that will ultimately contribute to the growth of the national economy," he expounded.
He highlighted that the Czech Republic has expressed its interest in participating in the biennial defense exhibition.
He informed that the government will proceed with the event despite the budget cuts implemented across institutions, given that the funds for the event were allocated before the issuance of Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2025 on budget efficiency.
"Note that the budget for the Indo Defence Expo and Forum was allocated last year, long before the government's push for efficiency. After all, this event does not rely solely on the State Budget (APBN)," he said.
Translator: Rio F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
