Defence industry will be revitalized: President

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Thu, 11/05/2009 7:27 PM

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Thursday he would revitalize the defence industry in the next five years.

"In five years, we will revitalize the industry. In 100 days, we must finish the master plan and road map for the revitalization plan," he said.

Yudhoyono said the defence industry revitalization was needed as the industry was vital to meet domestic demand, and overseas orders.

Aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia, weapon producer PT Pindad, and shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia are among the state firms to be revitalized.

Yudhoyono said in the past five years, the industry had not received enough attention from the government.