Indonesia’s new military chief wants modern force

JAKARTA — Indonesia’s new military forces chief, General Moeldoko, said yesterday that modernising the force’s military equipment would come first on his agenda, the official Antara News agency reported.

“I will prepare a working programme to modernise the military equipment,” Gen Moeldoko was quoted as saying.

He spoke after the House of Representatives endorsed President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s proposal to replace the outgoing Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) — Admiral Agus Suhartono, who will soon retire — with Gen Moeldoko.

The announcement also came a day after visiting United States Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said the US would sell eight Apache attack helicopters, valued at US$500 million (S$642 million), to the TNI. Mr Hagel, who is currently in Brunei, on Sunday said the US had raised its allocation to finance and train militaries in South-east Asia. The “Asian pivot” is a signature policy of President Barack Obama’s administration.

Gen Moeldoko said he would also launch a programme to improve military education and its recruitment system. He said he hoped the House of Representatives would approve a proposal to increase remuneration for high-performing servicemen.

Last week, the army chief of staff passed an assessment by Commission I of the House of Representatives.

Mr Tubagus Hasanuddin, Deputy Chairman of the commission, said Gen Moeldoko is expected to modernise the military and strengthen its capability.

Gen Moeldoko also gave the assurance that the TNI would adopt a neutral position during legislative and presidential elections to be held next year. “If the TNI does not maintain neutrality, democracy will be undermined,” he said. AGENCIES