Impartial: Prioritize Sea and Air Defense

Two Sukhoi Su-27SKM Air Force. (Photo: Reuters)

June 21, 2011, Jakarta (Jurnas.com): Indonesia should begin to think about defense and maritime security given the vast sea area of ​​Indonesia. So far, Indonesia is still focused on defense and security on the ground. "We hope the government will no longer focus the defense on the ground, but began to focus on air and sea forces. That is because the Indonesian territorial waters and air are very broad. During this time, with too much focus to the land, air and sea defenses we are still a lot bolongnya," said Executive Director of Imparsial Poengky Indarti in Jakarta, Tuesday (21 / 6).

According Poengky, focus on ground defense is the legacy of history. "Why did the land as to expel the Dutch invaders. If now more importantly, how we strengthen air and sea forces," said Poengky.

He added that the government needs to prioritize the defense sector in particular dimension given Indonesia's defense budget is limited. "If the balance seems to difficult because it needed the equipment, personnel, so need to check which one is more need of strengthening. I think the sea is more important than the others," said Poengky.

Poengky also said that the need for monitoring balanced against the Navy and Air Force, in addition to the army. "For the selection of Air Force Chief KSAL or there should be monitoring as well as the Army Chief of Staff. And we will try to do that," he said.