Defence Ministry Explains Reasons for TNI Deploying Military Assets to Secure ASEAN Summit

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Head of the Defence Information Bureau at the Secretariat General of the Ministry of Defence (Kemhan), Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, explained the reasons behind the TNI’s deployment of fighter aircraft and warships for the security needs of the ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines. Speaking to ANTARA in Jakarta on Friday, he stated that this was not due to the TNI detecting any potential conflict that could occur during the event attended by President Prabowo Subianto. “Therefore, this activity is not based on any threat or specific potential conflict targeted at the president or the heads of state participating in the ASEAN Summit,” Rico said. Rico explained that for every high-level international agenda, the TNI must adhere to maximum security and readiness standards in accordance with established operational procedures. This is done so that the TNI can provide a rapid response in the security domain if something occurs during the event. “This is part of combined operational readiness and VVIP security, designed to test the readiness of personnel, command systems, mobility, inter-asset interoperability, and rapid response capabilities to various possible situations,” Rico explained. Rico continued that Indonesia currently views the security stability in the ASEAN region as still conducive. However, this conduciveness is not a reason for the TNI to relax its security system. For information, various military assets have been prepared by the TNI in South Sulawesi to respond quickly if an incident occurs during the Summit in the Philippines. The TNI is deploying three warships, namely KRI Brawijaya, Prabu Siliwangi, and RE Martadinata. For air assets, the TNI has prepared five F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft and one A400M transport aircraft to carry logistics and security personnel for the area. Rico conveyed that his side is also striving to strengthen VVIP security during the meeting. Although assets and troops have been prepared, Rico assured that the TNI will continue to coordinate with the host country in carrying out every security step. “All activities are carried out in a measured, professional manner, while upholding the principles of prudence and respect for the sovereignty of friendly nations,” he said.