Government to Build International-Standard Military Training Facility in Morotai

Jakarta – Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced that the government will build an international-standard military training facility in Morotai, North Maluku. The initiative aims to provide the TNI with suitable military training facilities for both national and international-level operations.

“I believe you are all aware that Morotai was previously used during World War II and therefore possesses existing defence infrastructure. We will jointly repair and utilise this infrastructure,” Sjafrie said during a press statement at the Defence Ministry headquarters in Central Jakarta on Thursday.

Sjafrie stated that beyond TNI use, the military training facility will also serve as a diplomatic tool for engagement with other nations. With international-quality combat training facilities, the TNI can invite military forces from other countries to conduct joint exercises.

“We are establishing International Training Facilities in Morotai where we can conduct air, sea, and land exercises,” Sjafrie explained.

The training facility will not be limited to neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia alone, but will be open to Indonesia’s partner nations from across multiple continents. “We do not wish our country to be closed off; we want our country to be open-minded with other nations,” Sjafrie added.

However, Sjafrie did not provide detailed information regarding the timeline for construction commencement or the current progress of the military training facility development.