"I say that the TNI is the primary component in the country`s defence system."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that he has signed the laws on the defence industry and on veterans, which coincided with the 67th anniversary of the National Defence Forces (TNI) on October 5, 2012.

In his state address as the inspector of the ceremony to mark the TNI anniversary at the Halim Perdanakusuma military airbase in East Jakarta on Friday, President Yudhoyono said that the signing of the two laws was dedicated to the meritorious service of the fighters who have served the state.

Further, the head of state noted that the law on the defence industry was intended to provide a legal foundation and contribute to efforts to speed up the development of the national defence industry.

"Today, I sign the law on the defence industry and the law on veterans," the President said, adding that during the 67 years of its existence, the TNI, which was born of the people and fights alongside the people, has been successful in protecting and maintaining the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

"I say that the TNI is the primary component in the country`s defence system. Our priority is to maintain and protect the sovereignty of our state and war is always the last resort. `Peace-Loving Indonesia` is our motto, but Indonesia loves its independence even more," Yudhoyono noted.

Besides President Yudhoyono, also present at the ceremony were cabinet ministers, TNI Chief Admiral Agus Suhartono, the chiefs of staff of the Army, Navy and Air Force and Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro.

Defence Minister Yusgiantoro said that the law on defence industry and the law on veterans are presents on the TNI and veterans' anniversaries.

Yusgiantoro noted that the law on defence industry was formulated as the legal foundation for regulating defence industrial development and all stakeholders in the defence industry.

"The law is important to realize an effective defence industry and to produce defence and security equipment," Purnomo said.
(Uu.O001/INE/KR-BSR)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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