Indonesia's Defense Powers among World's Top Ten: Minister
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12 April 2019 19:09 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu firmly defended the country’s defense capabilities, which he deemed as one of the best in the world.
“We are among the world’s top ten, that is not weak, definitely strong,” said Ryamizard at the PT Pindad complex in Bandung on Friday, April 12.
Ryamizard said he was proud of the growth of Indonesia’s defense and compared the current situation to the time he was first inaugurated as defense minister in 2014; “At the time [Indonesia] ranked 19th,” he said.
Read: Indonesia, Australia Agree to Extend Defense Cooperation
Ryamizard said the growth was attributable to the government’s effort to toughen the country’s defense posture and turn it into a notable power. He recalled an interview where he accompanied the United States Defense Secretary, who said that Indonesia’s defense is one of the best in Southeast Asia.
Ryamizard also lauded Army soldiers who just won the Australian Army of Skill Arms at Meeting (AASAM).
"For 12 consecutive years. Congratulations for the Army soldiers and the chief of staff," he said.
AHMAD FIKRI
