Under Fire Rocket Purchase

A leaked document from the Defense Ministry Inspectorate-General about a Rp4-trillion purchase of Brazilian rockets two years ago has been leaked to the media, causing a controversy. The document said the purchase was too expensive. It mentioned an alleged Rp1 trillion markup.

At the time, according to one high-ranking Defense Ministry official, the government was looking to purchase Astros II rocket launchers produced by Brazil's Avibras Industria Aeroespacial. The weapon used by Saudi Arabia had proven its resilience in the Gulf War. "The initial decision was to buy them direct from Brazil, without a tender," the official said.