Indonesia`s Defense Ministry to focus on improving infrastructure in Natuna
Senin, 21 September 2015 18:42 WIB | 546 Views
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Ministry of Defense will give priority to improving infrastructure in Natuna since the island is adjacent to the South China Sea.
"The purchase of aircraft has not been a priority. We will delay the purchase of the primary weapons defense system (Alutsista) in 2016. However, we will allocate funds for improving infrastructure in Natuna," Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu stated on the sidelines of a meeting with the House of Representatives Commission I here on Monday.
Ryacudu noted that countries such as the United States and China were currently fighting over territory in the South China Sea.
He remarked that Indonesia shared good relations with the United States and China.
However, when matters escalate over the South China Sea, Indonesia should not remain silent.
Ryacudu opined that the runway at Natuna cannot be used for warplanes but only for transport aircraft.
In addition, the ports in the region are not in a condition to be used by warships.
"The damaged runway can ruin the engine of a warplane," he remarked.
The lights and radar at the runway will be upgraded. The drones will also be deployed, so that the soldiers will be able to monitor a distance of up to 60 kilometers.
Earlier, Indonesia had decided to increase the number of warships and warplanes to patrol and secure the Natuna waters in view of the South China Sea conflict.
"We will reinforce Natuna by deploying personnel from the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force," Defense Minister Ryacudu said here on Wednesday.
According to the minister, the Alutsista at Natuna should be reinforced since the island is immediately adjacent to the South China Sea.
"The security arrangements must be tightened to avoid any conflict," he remarked.
"Tensions are still ongoing between China and some ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines) in the South China Sea," he pointed out.
Enhanced security will ensure safety and offer a sense of security to the people working to develop the economic sectors.
He pointed out that the ministry will coordinate with the military to install the Alutsista in Natuna.
"To secure Natuna, Indonesia will deploy four fighter aircraft, three corvettes, five patrol boats, and drones," he stated.
"The warships and patrol boats should help combat illegal fishing in Natuna waters. We will secure it by all means," he affirmed.
The Indonesian military will also deploy two thousand personnel to guard the waters of Natuna, Riau Islands, according to Defense Minister Ryacudu.
"The number of military personnel will be increased," Ryacudu noted.
The military personnel will be from the Air Forces Special Forces (Paskhas), the Indonesian Marine Corps, and the Armys Raiders.
"Natuna will be protected by a company of the Paskhas along with two companies of the Marine Corps and the Armys Raiders," he remarked.(*)
Indonesia`s Defense Ministry to focus on improving infrastructure in Natuna - ANTARA News
Defense minister to discuss Sukhoi su-35 purchase immediately
Senin, 21 September 2015 21:26 WIB | 311 Views
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said here on Monday he would meet with Russian representatives this month end to discuss the planned purchase of Sukhoi SU-35 aircraft.
"We have not yet met (with the Russian representatives). It (the meeting) is planned at the end of this month," he said while speaking at the House Commission I meeting room.
He said he had received direct instructions from President Joko Widodo about purchasing this fighter jet.
He said the air force has so far used F-5 Tiger which is now already 40 years old.
"This will be used to replace the F-5 aircraft which is now 40 years old and even pilots are apprehensive about flying it," he said.
He said the government would not buy an entire squadron all at once but would do so in stages.
He said Indonesia plans to first buy half a squadron. "It (the move) has been processed by the government, as instructed by the President."
Mahfudz Siddiq, the chairman of House Commission I, who also oversees, among other areas, defense matters, said F-5 was no longer being used in many countries and cited the case of Taiwan which stopped using it two years back.
He said Indonesias F-5 squadron has indeed become old and it was time to replace these aircraft. "The Defense Forces Commander wished that the purchase could be accomplished in its entirety."
The politician from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) said Indonesia needed to take a leap to modernize its main defense system equipment with one that could prove to be a deterrent effect in the region, such as the Sukhoi SU-35.(*)
Defense minister to discuss Sukhoi su-35 purchase immediately - ANTARA News