"Oh yes, the president also wants to meet and have close talks. Close ties must exist between the retired army personnel and the government," the minister stated while accompanying the retired army personnel and veterans to meet President Jokowi at the Presidential Palace.
On the occasion, the president received the chairman of the Association of Retired Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia (Pepabri) and chairman of the Legion of Veterans of the Republic of Indonesia (LVRI).
The presence of both organizations at the Presidential Palace is a mark of their support to the government.
Currently, these organizations are not considered to be close to the current government since the 2014 presidential election as they were supporting Jokowis political opponent during that time.
The defense minister remarked that the president was particularly concerned regarding the aspirations and condition of the veterans and retired personnel.
"The president wants to pay attention to all matters concerning these retired army personnel and veterans, including what is going on with them, their condition, and that everything is all right. Since the chairman is already 90 years old, he could not come, and he was represented during the meeting," the minister revealed.
Minister Ryacudu emphasized the need to foster strong relations and a sense of togetherness between the current government and the retired army personnel and veterans.
"The retired army personnel and veterans are aligned and ready to help the government," Ryacudu affirmed.
On the occasion, the central executive boards (DPPs) Chairman of Pepabri Agum Gumelar also updated the president on the current condition.
"I would say that he (the president) was very eager to communicate with the retired personnel and veterans, which is apparent by the amount of time he spent to hold talks with them," the minister added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
