The Importance of National Defense Industries For Indonesia

Indonesia is a great country with its population andand weapon without too much dependent to
rich resources. But unfortunately Indonesia is still aweapon producers from West and Russia.
developing country in its status among world powerIn case of Indonesia, it seems that this archipelago
competitions. The requirements needed to be a greatcountry is following China and India in developing
power are available for Indonesia. But Indonesia is stillnational defense industries. Indonesia has several
behind China, India, and maybe Brazil. Besides bigstate-owned companies that has started producing
population, rich natural resources, economic andmilitary hardware and weapon for Indonesian National
technology development, China and India have bigArmed Forces. The first company is Pindad. This
and strong military capacities. In international politics, acompany makes APC (Armored Personal Carrier)
country that has formidable military forces can use itAnoa, assault rifles SS2, and ammunition. The second
as leverage in international competitions. Fromis PTDI or Indonesian Aerospace (IAe). This company
economic negotiations to border disputes, the sizeproduces airplane CN-235 for military and civilian
and posture of military forces also contribute to theutilities. PTDI is making CN-235 MPA for Indonesian
results of the mentioned negotiations and disputes.Air Forces. PTDI also produces helicopters and
So in peace time, military power still serves toprovides refitting services for maintaining aircraft. The
national interests.third is PT. PAL. This company produces ships for
Certainly, high economic growth and capacities aremilitary and civilian utilities. PT. PAL already produced
needed to build a strong and modern military forces.fast patrol boats for Indonesian Navy.
But, there is another factor that enables the twoIndonesia slowly and gradually is building its capacities
country to build formidable military forces. Thatin national defense industries. After military embargo
factor is their national defense industries. Theirfrom USA, Indonesia has learned that they need to
military forces are supported and supplied by theirbe less dependent from other countries in procuring
strong defense industries. Previously, they importedmilitary hardware and weapon. This is just the
military weapons from West and Russia. Then theybeginning. The latest news is South Korea and
conducted research and development for thoseIndonesia signed MoU in researching and producing 4.5
weapons. They also required licenses and transfer forgeneration fighter aircraft. Hopefully, in year 2020
technology in weapon imports. In the end, they areIndonesia has nationally-produced 4 squadron
now capable to produce their own military hardwaresemi-stealth fighter aircraft.