Final countdown: Air-ground officers at the Iswahjudi Air Force Base in Madiun, East Java, check locally made missiles for an F-16 jet fighter prior to an exercise. Indonesia aims to boost the national defense industry to meet its minimum essential force. (JP/Wahyoe Boediwardhana)Improving defense capability is more than about adding to the number of military platforms, but also about possessing the proficiency to utilize those cutting-edge tools. In addition, the Defense Ministry must play a greater role in guiding Indonesia’s procurements to ensure the efficacy of any additional platforms. The recent skirmish with Chinese vessels around the Natuna Islands indicates the growing need for such a role by the ministry as guarding Indonesia’s vast maritime domain requires cooperation from various services, notably the Navy and the Air Force. A proper procurement vision from the ministry …
