"We are one," the president reiterated, hoping that the new government can continue to maintain policies to improve the strength of the nation`s defenses.Surabaya, E Java (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said all parties should unite to maintain the states sovereignty and defend the countrys territorial integrity.
"We are one," the president reiterated, hoping that the new government can continue to maintain policies to improve the strength of the nations defenses.
The Indonesian people must be united so that political affairs or others should not disturb defense affairs, the president pointed out when leading the first session of the Defense Industry Policy Committee (KKIP) in the Majapahit Lounge at the eastern Fleet Command Headquarters in East Java.
The President also spoke about the difficulties faced by Indonesia in its efforts to increase the strength of its defenses, as a result of sanctions and embargoes in 1992 and 2005, as well as the economic crisis in 1998.
"We felt that its not simple to increase the strength of our defense, even to buy its (defense) components, when Indonesia experienced a tsunami, as we were not prepared for an embargo and sanctions," he said.
However, the president added, in line with the growth in the economy, all areas can be built and developed.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will end his term this year and, by law, he will no longer be able to seek reelection because he has been in the post for two terms.
The president, on a working visit, was accompanied by military chief General Moeldoko and East Java governor Soekarwo.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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