Kopassus conducts security drill at Mandalika National Strategic Project

Mataram (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Army’s Special Forces Command (Koplar/Kopassus) has conducted security training at the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK) National Strategic Project (PSN) site in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

Following a meeting with Kopassus Commander Lieutenant General TNI Djon Afriandi at the West Nusa Tenggara Governor’s Residence in Mataram on Monday, Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal stated that the one-day training exercise in the Mandalika SEZ is part of the broader security measures for PSN sites.

“The reason for the training in Mandalika is that Mandalika is part of the PSN. This is one of our security targets to provide assurance and protection ahead of international events, such as MotoGP, ensuring that the situation remains safe and controlled,” he told reporters.

He emphasised that the presence of Kopassus personnel in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is not merely for military training but also serves as a way to bring the military closer to the public, allowing citizens to see the Kopassus, as part of the TNI, firsthand.

“Because the TNI belongs to the people, the community is given the opportunity to get to know Kopassus better. This is part of the TNI’s effort to connect with the public, particularly in NTB,” he added.

According to Iqbal, the presence of Kopassus is due to NTB’s highly strategic position from a national security perspective, as it lies along the Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lanes II (ALKI II), the route connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

“NTB is a very strategic location from a security perspective because it hosts several PSNs and is situated within ALKI II. Kopassus is conducting training not only in NTB but also in other regions,” he explained.

However, the Governor dismissed claims that the elite troops’ training in Mandalika is closely linked to global tensions, such as the war in the Middle East, or NTB’s proximity to Australia.

“Do not speculate; there is no connection to that. Kopassum is not only in NTB but also in several other areas. When the government grants PSN status to a location, that area gains strategic value from all perspectives, including security and economy. This is routine proficiency training to ensure they can operate effectively in any situation,” he said.

In addition to the security drills in the Mandalika SEZ, Kopassus personnel also conducted a parade of combat vehicles (Ranpur) through the main streets of Mataram. The parade was officially flagged off by Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, with members of the public and children even being permitted to ride in the combat vehicles.

Meanwhile, a representative from ITDC Mandalika, Agus Setiawan, stated that the presence of Kopassus focuses on security training at the PSN site, as the Mandalika area serves as a hub for both national and international activities, including MotoGP.

“Therefore, this activity is positive for strengthening security and creating a more conducive situation in Mandalika,” he said.

Agus also denied that the presence of Kopassus was for any other purpose, including specific escorts for the October 2026 MotoGP. He clarified that the elite personnel’s presence was purely for security simulation training for the PSN.

“For escorts, there are already established SOPs coordinated with the NTB Regional Police and other institutions. There is no specific requirement for Kopassus. The primary focus of this security simulation is training for incident handling, such as hostage situations. The training is limited to that,” he concluded.