TNI Should Be Indonesia-Centric, Not Java-Centric: Jokowi
Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has instructed the Indonesian Military (TNI) to synchronize the distribution of its personnel with the national development plan, which is focused on outer regions in the archipelago.
Jokowi, during a cabinet meeting at the State Palace on Thursday (12/01), said that efficient distribution is necessary to build a strong and firm national defense to counter threats against Indonesia’s sovereignty.
"As an archipelago with a vast geographical span, deployment of TNI officers along the east and west fringes of the country is still lacking," Jokowi said.
These regions not only form Indonesia's front line but also have high potentials to grow as motors of economic growth.
"I want TNI personnel to be distributed in accordance with the changes in our national development paradigm, which is no longer Java-centric, but Indonesia-centric," the president added.
The government, according to Jokowi, will focus on accelerating the development of border areas, the eastern parts of Indonesia and its outermost islands.
Even distribution of development will counter regional gaps, especially between the western and eastern sides of the country, the president added.
"The outermost areas, such as the Natuna Islands, the Miangas Islands, Biak-Merauke, Rote Island and its surrounding areas, will develop into new economic centers," Jokowi said.
He also urged the military to design a future warfare strategy based on Indonesia’s geographical character as an archipelago.
"The people need to feel the presence of the state, it will make them proud to be Indonesian."
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