Beijing (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ordered law enforcement agencies and other departments to investigate alleged violations of laws occurring during the procurement of Sukhoi fighter jets.

"Open and investigate the alleged case completely. If, indeed, a mark-up has been done, take action against anyone involved, from former or present (governments)," he said on the sidelines of a state visit in China here on Saturday (March 24).

He added that the public has a right to know the truth, after some quarters had been questioning the process of the procurement of the Russian made planes.

"The people must be given a clear explanation," he said.

Despite the discussions over the planes, President Yudhoyono continued emphasizing the importance of arming the military (TNI).

As a large and sovereign country, he said, Indonesia must strengthen its defense system and, therefore, the modernization of weapons systems equipment must be carried out.

"After our economy has improved, our soldiers must be strengthened to protect the land," he said.
(T.F008/Uu.H-YH/INE/KR-BSR)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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