Navy to hold military exercise in Papua

MANOKWARI, Papua: In observance of National Maritime Day, the Navy will demonstrate its ability to protect and defend the country's waters next week in a military exercise in Sorong, some 1,000 kilometers west of the Papua capital of Jayapura.

Chief of the naval base in the Papua regency of Manokwari Commander Surachman said on Thursday that 32 warships, dozens of amphibious tanks, and hundreds of naval personnel and marines from East and West Naval Base would be involved in the exercise on Jan. 16.

Surachman added that the training was aimed at improving the professionalism of Navy and marine personnel and to introduce the public to their mastery in using sophisticated equipment.

"People in Sorong have just watched the strength of our Army. Now they may take a closer look at the Navy," he said.

Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Bernard Kent Sondakh, Papua Governor J.P. Solossa and community leaders are scheduled to witness the show of force. --Antara