Koarmada III holds exercise to face armed separatist movement

Sorong (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy’s Third Fleet Command (Koarmada III) held an Operation Exercise to Counter Armed Separatist Movements for the 2026 fiscal year to improve the readiness and combat capability of soldiers in Sorong, Southwest Papua.

Koarmada III Commander Rear Admiral Dato Rusman S.N. said in Sorong on Saturday that the exercise was part of efforts to enhance the professionalism and preparedness of soldiers in facing various security threat dynamics within Koarmada III’s area of operations.

“This exercise is not only to test the individual ability of soldiers in applying operational doctrine, but also to align mindsets and patterns of action in the field,” he said.

According to him, the exercise was designed intensively and realistically so that soldiers are able to make decisions quickly, accurately, and in a coordinated manner when facing operational situations.

The exercise scenario was made to resemble field conditions to hone tactical skills, coordination, and decision-making in the execution of operations.

The exercise also involved a number of agencies, including the Indonesian Army through village supervisory non-commissioned officers (Babinsa), the National Police through community security and order supervisory officers (Bhabinkamtibmas), the Port Authority and Harbormaster Office (KSOP), Customs and Excise, Pertamina, and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).

“The involvement of these cross-agency elements is a crucial part of building synergy and coordination. We want to ensure that every element, in accordance with its duties and authority, is able to work in an integrated manner when facing real situations in the field,” he said.

Dato said the involvement of these various elements was also aimed at improving interoperability or the ability to work together between units and agencies in facing conditions that require a rapid response.

According to him, in addition to improving combat readiness, the exercise serves as an evaluation tool for Koarmada III to refine the capability of units in carrying out their main tasks.

“It is hoped that all ranks of Koarmada III will have better readiness and closer synergy with other stakeholders for the success of the TNI’s main tasks within Koarmada III’s area of operations,” he said.