The Ministry Of Defense Claims To Prioritize Domestic Defense Equipment

The Ministry of Defense (Kemenhan) has confirmed that it will prioritize the use of domestically produced defense equipment. "Kemenhan's current policy emphasizes the use of locally made defense systems," stated Brigadier General TNI Frega Wenas, Head of the Defense Information Bureau, to Kompas.com on Wednesday (February 5, 2025). However, Kemenhan also has a policy in place for situations where local industries are unable to produce the necessary equipment. "If local production is currently insufficient, we can source defense equipment from abroad," Frega explained.

He also assured that any foreign procurement will still adhere to the principle of utilizing local components. Additionally, Kemenhan is committed to ensuring technology transfer with every foreign procurement. "This way, the acquisition of defense equipment will still contribute to the development of the national defense industry," he added. Frega emphasized that Kemenhan's actions have been thoroughly studied and comply with existing regulations, aligning with national priorities in the defense sector.

Previously, Commission I member of the DPR, Amelia Anggraini, urged Kemenhan to reduce reliance on foreign purchases and donations of defense equipment. She believes this is crucial for fostering the growth of the defense industry and for universities in Indonesia to contribute to research in security and defense technology that can collaborate with the national defense industry. "We believe it is time for the government, particularly Kemenhan, to gradually lessen dependence on foreign purchases and donations of defense equipment," Amelia stated during a working meeting with Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and TNI Commander Agus Subiyanto at the DPR RI Complex, Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (February 4, 2025).

He urged that military equipment grants from other countries should not include any agreements that could threaten national security, both for the government and the military using the equipment. "This is important because it concerns national security and the sovereignty of Indonesia," said the politician from the Nasdem Party.

Tag: Amelia Anggraini Frega Wenas Kemenhan TNI