Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in his annual state address here on Tuesday promised to improve the quality of the National Defense Forces (TNI) in the future.

"In the defense field, the TNI shall be enhanced in its capability and professionalism. The development of TNI is aimed at developing it not only well-trained but also to make it have a high level of readiness for assignments. As the capability of the state`s finances continues to grow, we will also continue modernizing the strength and our defense primary equipments," said the president.

Yudhoyono added his vision to strengthen a new tradition in the circles of TNI ensuring that all of its ranks remain consistent in following the state`s political policies that honor democratic principles, legal supremacy, respect for human rights as well as comply with national laws and various ratified international conventions.

The president also noted the assignment of TNI in non-war Military Operation particularly in disaster emergency response, the TNI assignment to border areas in order to maintain the integrity of Indonesia have become real examples of the preparedness of the entire TNI soldiers.

"All of those examples show the TNI`s consistency and commitment towards the safety of the nation, state and Indonesian people," he said.

The annual state address delivered on Tuesday (August 16) at the House of Representatives` office building. The event is attended by Vice President Boediono, Chairman of People`s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Taufik Kiemas, ministers from Indonesia United II cabinet, members of the House of Representatives and the MPR.
(T.P008*D013*F008*G003/Uu.A051/HAJM/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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