TNI Set To Reach 42 Pct Of Minimum Strength In 2014

Jakarta, Jan 8 (Antara) - Chief of the Indonesian military (TNI) Gen. Moeldoko said the Indonesian military would reach 40-42 percent of the minimum strength or Minimum Essential Force (MEF) in 2014. "In 2013, TNI already overshot the target of 28.7 percent of MEF. In 2014, the target is set at 40-42 percent," the general said when opening the TNI leaders` meeting here on Wednesday. The people could see for themselves the TNI strength in equipment in 2014 after the arrival of sets of equipment to strengthen the army, navy and air force, he said. He described as quite good TNI indicators in 2013, including in finance and operations. "The condition is good and conducive in almost all areas with improvement in intelligence, and territorial operations involving the army, navy and the air force, that no frictions had been faced in border areas ," he said. He expressed regret that fatal incidents had occurred in Papua where a number of TNI soldiers had fallen victims. The military has sought welfare approaches to create peaceful condition in Papua and avoid military operations but "armed groups" continue to create security problem in that region. "It is not fair if the TNI is blamed for taking action and reacting to such actions," he said. He said relations between the military and police have been relatively good although there had been incidents between military and police elements in 2013. He said TNI has taken part in the U.N. peace keeping forces in various conflict countries such as Lebanon and Congo. TNI soldiers have always been acceptable to both warring sides in countries , where they were assigned, he said, adding the TNI leaders have received appreciation from the United Nations for the good services, he said. He said in 2014, TNI is provided a budget of Rp86 trillion of which 52 percent are for routine expenses and 48 percent for development budget. Earlier, Moeldoko said TNI was studying the possibility of strengthening its submarine fleet with Russian Kilo Class submarines. "Currently we are still studying and calculating the plan to strengthen our defense in the water territory. "It would be great if we could acquire the Kilo Class submarines, which have a long firing range of guided missiles," he said. The type of Kilo Class submarine named Kiloklav could hit a target as long as 400 kilometers away from sub-surface to surface. Navy chief of staff Admiral Marsetio said a technical team would leave for Russia in January, 2014 to study the Russian offer to sell submarines to Indonesia. Marsetio said Indonesia would also acquire three units of submarine from South Korea to add to the two units the navy already has at present. One of the two units is the 209 class type from Germany and the other one was from South Korea with almost the same type as the one from Germany . The two submarines have been modified into combat management, which has greater attacking capability. Meanwhile, the TNI is awaiting the arrival of Apache helicopters from the United states . This type of military helicopters have been used only by a number of countries including the United States itself and Singapore. TNI has also ordered from Germany a number of Leopard tanks which are considered among the best in the world . From France and Britain, Indonesia plans to import equipment for air defense system . "Indonesia still needs more units of submarine to strengthen our navy and protect the country`s sovereignty from the sea," he said. He said seas make up two third of the country`s territory, therefore, ideally the country would need at least 12 units of submarine. "If Indonesia is to buy the Russian submarines, the country would be the first in Asia to have kilo class submarines," he said. Moeldoko said he also wants that the TNI could have Sukhoi 35, the latest series of Russian Sukhoi fighter aircraft. "This is to send a message that the president has taken a progressive step toward modernization of the Indonesia defense system," he said, adding "in ASEAN standard our defense equipment would be promising."