Defense Acquisition through Acceleration Of Defense Technology and Industry Mastering

Strength less regulation of defense acquisition system which accommodates the technology absorption process is a major problem for Indonesia. Low quality of human resources or the expertise of researchers and engineers also contributes to the slow absorption of technology. As long as these two basic problems are not resolved, development of technology and defense industry would not improve significantly. For this reason, a focused solution is needed to directly address these two problems. With a case study approach to development of technology and defense industry in South Korea, which only in last three decades has been able to match the development of developed countries for a century, this paper recommends three strategies to catch up with Indonesia in this field. First strategy, Integration of defense R&D institutions at the Ministry of Defense and all R&D forces into the Research and Development Agency and the Defense Technology Quality Assurance Agency aimed at optimizing technology absorption and producing quality and synergistic R&D products. Second strategy is reforming defense acquisition system and procedures through a single implementer directly under the Minister of Defense. These reforms are organizationally formalized in Defense Acquisition Institute which oversees Defense Technology Research and Development Agency and Defense Technology Quality Assurance Agency. The third strategy is improving Defense Acquisition Institute's human resources quality through a transparent and accountable recruitment process; Personnel placement according to the required qualifications and expertise; Productive and conducive work system and environment; Continuing education and training; Guarantee the integrity pact of every personnel involved; As well as Ombudsman-based supervision. R & D cooperation with defense R & D institutions outside Ministry of Defense and the TNI as well as Universities or the transfer of personnel status from these institutions to Defense Acquisition Institute can be a tactical solution to improve human resources quality. This three strategies are believed to be able to accelerate the mastery of def