Five F-16s and Three Warships Deployed for ASEAN Summit Security
Indonesia’s National Armed Forces conducted readiness operations in North Sulawesi on Friday, 8 May 2026, as part of support for securing the ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines. The operation involved fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, and three warships.
Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Defence Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defence’s General Secretariat, stated that the deployment of military equipment forms part of the TNI’s readiness operations to support regional stability during the ASEAN Summit. “There are five F-16 aircraft, Hercules, and A400M for this readiness operation. Three KRIs are also deployed, namely Brawijaya, Siliwangi, and R.E. Martadinata,” Rico said in his statement on Friday, 8 May 2026.
According to Rico, the readiness is conducted in the national territory of North Sulawesi to support the smooth and secure implementation of the ASEAN Summit in Cebu. The operation involves land, sea, and air elements to test troop interoperability, personnel mobility, VIP security capabilities, and rapid response to emergency conditions.
All activities, he said, are carried out in a measured and professional manner, while upholding principles of prudence and respect for the sovereignty of friendly nations. Indonesia also views the stability and security of the ASEAN region as a shared responsibility of Southeast Asian countries.
“TNI’s readiness in this context is part of Indonesia’s contribution to supporting the creation of a safe, conducive regional situation that supports the success of ASEAN’s strategic agendas,” Rico stated.
President Prabowo Subianto attended the opening ceremony of the 48th ASEAN Summit on Friday, 8 May 2026. According to a written statement from the Presidential Secretariat, Prabowo arrived at around 09:04 local time and proceeded directly to the event foyer.
Upon arrival at the venue, Prabowo was welcomed by Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. along with his wife, Marie Louise Cacho Araneta Marcos. After the welcoming procession, the ASEAN leaders participated in the series of opening events, which serve as the main forum for discussing regional issues.
The 2026 ASEAN Summit adopts the theme “Navigating Our Future Together”. The forum provides a space for ASEAN leaders to discuss the region’s direction amid global geopolitical and economic pressures. Prior to the head-of-state level meeting, ASEAN foreign ministers held several preliminary agendas on Thursday, including the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council Meeting.