By Hans David Tampubolon

Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro says the government is committed to improving the welfare of Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers, particularly those assigned to border regions.

'We originally planned to increase the salary of TNI soldiers in 2011, but we will try to speed up the plan to 2010,' Purnomo told reporters during a field trip to the West Kalimantan town of Entikong, near the border with Malaysia, on Saturday.

'The acceleration is mainly related to TNI bureaucratic reform. So, there will be better welfare in general for bureaucratic reform, but there will also be special remuneration increase for personnel posted on outer-most islands and border areas.'

During his trip to Entikong, Purnomo said he learned from local government officials that socio-economic problems facing both civilians and military personnel in the frontier and border regions had remained unabated.

'This problem definitely needs some attention. I admit that this is not a problem that belongs to the domain of the Defense Ministry, however, this is a comprehensive issue that needs to be addressed,' he said.

Head of Sanggau district, Setiman H. Sudin, told reporters that welfare issues in the border area had worsened ever since the reform era.

'Originally, the Indonesian and Malaysian governments tried to solve the welfare issues by signing the Melindo Deal in 1971. That deal stipulates that citizens from both countries are allowed to trade with one another with maximum value set at 600 RM (S$246.7),' he said.

'Now, the deal has been ineffective ever since its management was given to civilian institution. When the military handled the management in the past, it was clear and evident that the management was aimed to improve the people's welfare.'