Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto said on Wednesday (25/9/2024) that ensuring the welfare of the people remains a higher priority than enhancing national defense capabilities. 

Speaking during his final working meeting with Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR), he acknowledged the current limitations in achieving a robust defense force, as quoted by antaranews.com.

Minister Prabowo, who is the president elect, pointed out that Indonesia’s defense budget is relatively low compared to other Asian nations, constituting less than one percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

In contrast, he noted that the Philippines allocates 1.8 percent of its GDP for defense, while Singapore dedicates three percent despite its small size.

He called for increased government support for defense budget allocations, considering it a shared responsibility moving forward. Nonetheless, he reiterated that the primary focus should be on the welfare of Indonesia's most vulnerable populations, saying, “No Indonesian should go hungry, and we must aid those living in hardship.” 

(mg/inp/pr/nm)