Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Friday, October 5, 2012, that modernization of weapons is not intended for aggressive purposes or initiating arms race in the region. He said the arms modernization was aimed at safeguarding the country's sovereignty.
"It is part of efforts to build a minimum essential force," he said at his speech at the commemoration of the 67th anniversary of the country's defense forces.
"I have often said in various international forums that we have no intention whatsoever to conduct an arms race nor an aggression to another country militarily. On any occasion I have always stated that our foreign policy is always led by a will to increase friends and reduce enemies," Yudhoyono was quoted by Antara news wire as saying.
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