REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo has vowed to set aside a budget of Rp210 trillion for the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) next year, up from the Rp98 trillion allocated this year, if the economy grows by 7 percent.

The president made the promise during the ceremonial groundbreaking of the construction of the Jakarta Regional Military Command's Moh. Ridwan Meuraksa Hospital here on Wednesday (13/5).

"The prosperity of soldiers can be improved if the economy grows well, particularly if stability is guaranteed. Of course, this will all depend on you," Jokowi, as the president is affectionately called, said.

He stated that if the economy grew by 7 percent, the TNI budget, which is only some Rp98 trillion this year, can increase to Rp210 trillion.

"This can be achieved anywhere if stability of security is guaranteed. If security and economic stability are maintained, we can concentrate on economic development.

Our economy is facing global financial pressures. The global economy is facing a downward trend, but I am sure if the stability of security is maintained, the economy will grow by 7 percent," he affirmed.

The head of state added that the government had worked out stages of tasks to be performed to achieve the goals.

Moreover, Jokowi expressed hope that with the increase in allowances of military personnel, they will improve their performance as their allowance comes from public money.

He pointed out that soldiers must return all (the allowance they earn) in the form of their best services. "They should do their best, nothing other than that."

Jokowi further noted that Indonesians were already proud of the TNI, which guards the Unitary State of Indonesia.

Therefore, soldiers should uphold people's pride and respect by doing their best in carrying out their tasks.

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