TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) opened an international exhibition on defense industry technology, 2018 Indo Defence Expo & Forum, at JiExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, Wednesday, November 7.
Kalla appreciated the exhibition since it was very beneficial for Indonesia. “This exhibition gives us choices, new knowledge, [about] how a country can use technology for security and defense,” he said when opening the event.
The vice president said that every country needs equipment and weapons to defend itself and that it would be better if the country able to independently meet those needs.
JK recalled Indonesia's experience of being embargoed by the defense equipment suppliers around 1990.
“It was difficult for us to obtain the defense equipment at that time. Therefore, a country must always be ready, independent, on its own ability besides working with other countries,” he said.
The 2018 Indo Defence Expo & Forum is a promotional event for international defense and security equipment manufacturers. This event is held every two years by the Defense Ministry in collaboration with PT Napindo Media Ashatama. This year marked the eighth time the event has been held.
Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said that at the first time, the 2018 Indo Defence Expo & Forum will present a business forum to bring buyers together with domestic industry businesses.
VINDRY FLORENTIN
