Jakarta. The government seeks to develop Indonesia's defense industry to further boost the national economy, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said on Thursday (11/01).

"The defense industry can contribute to the growth of our national economy. The economic growth of many countries is sustained by their defense industry, and we are heading in that direction," Ryamizard said at a press conference in Central Jakarta.

He added that efforts will be directed toward developing primary weaponry defense system, known as alutsista in Indonesian, and the defense industry as a whole.

Ryamizard said that state-owned ship manufacturer PAL, state-owned aircraft manufacturer Dirgantara Indonesia and state-owned weapons manufacturer Pindad will work to build better quality products for the use of the Indonesian Military (TNI).

"We invite people to come here and buy [our defense products], they will know it's good quality," Ryamizard said, adding that the government is aiming to attract more investors to the country.

Developing a strong, independent and competitive national defense industry is one of Indonesia's 2018 priorities.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said during her 2018 foreign policy outlook conference earlier this week that the country's economic diplomacy will continue to promote the strategic industry's products.

According to Retno, last year Dirgantara Indonesia aircraft were purchased by Mexico and Senegal.

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