President: Aging weaponry should be scrapped

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the Indonesia`s aging weaponry should be scrapped for security and safety reasons.
"The direction of the government is clear enough. Some time ago the government and the military issued a decision that outdated armament should no longer be used," the president said after a limited meeting at the defense ministry here on Monday afternoon.
He affirmed that a number of old armaments like Hercules C-130 and amphibious tanks would no longer be used.
The government, according to him, will impose a sanction, if a commander is caught red-handed in still using such aging ships, aircraft or other war equipment.
"We have decided and instructed the military (TNI) not to use aging armaments. Those failing to follow this instruction will be liable to a sanction," he said.
Hence, the head of state said the old weapons would be replaced by new ones at a cost derived from export credits in the rupiah denomination..
Furthermore, he disclosed that the decision on the replacement is based on the need to maintain safety and security.
On the occasion, Indonesian Defence Forces Commander Gen. Djoko Santoso said that he has studied and evaluated all the weaponry, including the aging ones.
Asked whether it will affect the readiness of the military in holding joint exercises in 2008, he said we will look into that.(*) END

• Problem of mily-owned businesses to be settled on time: president
  
• TNI eady to ground aging armaments
  
• Swiss national arrested for cunsuming marijuana