Indonesia to modernize armed forces: President

Indonesia will improve the capability of the armed forces (TNI) and modernize its equipment, in an effort to boost professionalism, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Thursday.

President Susilo cited that the forces will face more challenges in the future, as the science and technology has grown rapidly in the world, which change dramatically the form and characteristic of war today to become more modern and complex.

"In the future the TNI needs to conduct a development and a modernization of strength toward professionalism, more effective and credible," said Susilo in his speech at the anniversary of the TNI birthday at the military headquarters.

"I expect the TNI persistently improve organization, tactic and technical of its battle, so that they can respond on the dynamics and challenges of the modern war," he said.

The president said that the move will be carried out gradually in accordance with the state financial capability, in a bid to form a minimal-strength needed.

"I am confidence that the TNI, whom we all proud of, will be able to become professional credible and modern, which is equal with troops from other countries," said Susilo.

The president said with that minimum strength, army, navy and air force, had to be able to carry out tasks in the field, such as facing a contingency situation and prevention from a possible threat.

Terrorism, drug trafficking and illegal fishing are among the hardest challenges being faced by the country.

Indonesia has been hit by a series of suicide bombings, including the Bali bombings in 2002 and 2004, hotel explosion in 2003 and embassy blast in 2004, which killed over two hundreds people.

Source: Xinhua