REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has affirmed that personnel of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) must support the policies of the state politics and not become involved in political practices.

"The politics of the TNI is the state's politics. The TNI follows the state policies. Everything that the state does is for the people," President Jokowi stated while giving directives at the opening of the TNI Leadership Meeting 2016 at the TNI Headquarters here on Wednesday.

The TNI only follows a vertical command chain and believes in loyalty and obedience to the president as the highest commander of the TNI, he pointed out.

President Jokowi emphasized that in order to strengthen the defense system, Indonesia should meet the demands for the primary weapons defense system (alutsista) in an integrated manner at sea, on land, and in air as almost every country is competing to advance its defense technology.

"Build a strong TNI with modern alutsista," he remarked.

The head of state also called to develop the national defense industry to reduce dependence on imports.

He also urged to further enhance the capacity of the military personnel who are well-trained and professional.

TNI Chief General Gatot Nurmantyo emphasized that the TNI's loyalty lies with the president.

"I guarantee the highest loyalty of the TNI," he affirmed.

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