RI-Australia Defence pact to reduce defence budget

Pangkalpinang (ANTARA News) - The signing of Indonesian-Australian defense agreement in an effort to realize more harmonious relations between the two countries would significantly reduce Indonesia`s defense budget, House of Representatives (DPR) Commission I deputy chairman Yusron Ihza said here on Sunday.
"The Indonesian and Australian governments ratified the defense agreement between the two countries two months ago, and it is a right measure to reduce defense budget and to improve regional peace and security," Yusron said.
He pointed out that the agreement would lessen the country`s burden in the defense field because the budget allocated this year was only Rp36 trillion from the proposed Rp100 trillion.
"This year`s budget of Rp36 trillion for defense and security is not very big," Yusron said.
However, he added that the defense agreement with Australia would help ensure the regional security and at the same time reduce the defense and security expenses.
He said the defense agreement with Australia which has been signed would in general be more beneficial to Indonesia than Australia.
Yusron added that the two countries, especially Australia, should abide by the agreement and mutually respect their respective territorial integrity and sovereignty. (*)