REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The House of Representatives' (DPR's) Commission I and the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) held a hearing on the development of the primary weaponry defense system (Alutsista) at the Navy Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, Tuesday.

The hearing was held to discuss the modernization of alutsista as the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) chief had earlier emphasized that strengthening the Navy and Air Force (TNI AU) is a priority, Commission I Chairman Mahfuds Siddiq stated.

During the meeting, a plan was also discussed to grant some naval ships to the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla).

In accordance with the nation's maritime axis vision, the naval weaponry system must be modernized to guard Indonesian waters, he affirmed.

"Currently, the TNI AL is actively supporting the tasks of the maritime affairs and fishery ministry, but it does not only detain boats involved in illegal fishing activities as it has to guard the nation's entire maritime territory," the politician from the Justice and Prosperous Party (PKS) said.

Chief of Staff of the Navy Admiral Ade Supandi said the hearing with the legislators also discussed defense budgeting.

"The role of the DPR's Commission I is crucial," he added.

The first priority is to stop operating old or outdated alutsista. Ten warships will enter the conservation stage and will no longer be operated.

However, the warships will still be maintained if their replacements are not yet available.

Therefore, the Navy needs the DPR's support regarding the allocation of the budget, he said.

Communication with the Commission I is crucial for the Navy's development planning, he added.

On Monday, PT PAL Indonesia launched two warships: a Destroyer with guided missiles (PKR) and a Strategic Sea lift Vessel (SSV)-1.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Rizal Ramli emphasized that it is time for Indonesia to control the shipbuilding market in Asia as the nation has the ability to build modern warships.

He said the government will continue to support the maritime industry by providing facilities, including for the shipbuilding industry.

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