TNI must have strong commitment in maintaining the national political stability."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - National Defense Forces (TNI) is committed to keeping the national political stability in the run up to general elections in 2014, TNI Chief General Moeldoko has assured.

"TNI must have strong commitment in maintaining the national political stability," Moeldoko stated at the opening of the TNI leadership meeting at the Cilangkap TNI Headquarters in East Jakarta on Wednesday.

He noted that themed Establishing TNI Professionalism in Maintaining Stability, Sovereignty and Integrity of the Unitary State of Indonesian Republic, the meeting was expected to be able to improve the professionalism displayed by TNI soldiers.

According to him, TNI should contribute positively in maintaining political stability during the political year 2014, targeting 40 to 42 percent of Minimum Essential Force (MEF) during Strategic I plan this year.

"In 2013, we achieved MEF beyond the target set at 28.7 percent, and we expect to increase it 40 to 42 percent in 2014," Moeldoko stated, adding that Indonesian people can be witness to the countrys primary weapons defense system in the army, navy and air force that will be strengthened in 2014.

In the 2014 budget, the Defense Force will receive Rp86 trillions, of which, 52 percent will be used for routine expenditures and 48 percent for the development sector.

According to Indonesian Defense Force data, during 2013, the military force performed well on financial and operational sectors.

"We had a good financial system report and almost all regions remained in a favourable situation," he explained.

However, Moeldoko added that the situation should be further enhanced by strengthening the intelligence system and territorial security, particularly in the border areas.

"In the border areas, we conduct comprehensive operations that involve the army, navy and air force, to avoid any kind of friction," Moeldoko explained.
(Uu.O001/INE/KR-BSR)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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