REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Lawmaker from the Commission I of the House of Representatives Sukamta said he supported plan to acquire Russian Kilo class submarine.
"We support the spirit of the government's plan to buy the Russian submarine of the Kilo class," Sukamta said here on Tuesday.
The defense ministry has asked for an additional budget of Rp37 trillion including Rp14.5 trillion for the navy in 2016.
Sukampta also supported the proposal for the additional budget.
The navy was given a larger allocation from the additional budget compared with the allocations for the army and air force.
Indonesia is a maritime country with seas making up 70 percent of its territory, therefore security in the seas is a priority, he said.
He said the spirit of the government to build up the naval strength should be supported , "as we all want to have a strong sea defense."
He said the Kilo class is one of the most sophisticated types of submarine at present needed by the navy.
Kilo submarine of the navy teaming up with Sukhoi fighter jet of the air force would deter any provocations and command respect for the country's sovereignty, he said.
Conflict is potential like a time bomb in South China sea bordering on Indonesian Natuna islands, he said.
"Therefore, I think it is a priority to build up strong security in the country's vast sea territory," he said.
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