REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian military chief Gen. Moeldoko said an increase was recorded in the number of soldiers deserting to 927 in 2014 from 865 in 2013.

"It was a significant increase. We will see what was this about," the general said here on Tuesday.

He recalled asking deserters when he was a regiment commander, the reason for the desertion.

The main reason were mental pressure and being not fully prepared to joint their battalions, he said.

Therefore, military leaders need to develop sense of responsibility among their subordinates especially among the rank and file, he said.

"It is about leadership. Therefore, mental development has to be increased," he added.

The general, however, said he appreciated the progress made in reducing cases of drug and torture involving the soldiers.

Drug cases declined from 177 in 2013 to 155 cases in 2014 and torture cases dropped from 187 to 143 and sexual abuses declined from 242 in 2013 to 171 cases in 2014.

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