New marine battalion inducted

JAKARTA: The Navy inaugurated the establishment of a new marine infantry battalion during a ceremony at the Cilandak Marine Headquarters in Jakarta on Thursday.

Navy chief of staff Adm. Bernard Kent Sondakh said the formation of the new marine infantry battalion, the seventh of its kind, was part of the Navy's plan to strengthen itself.

"This is the answer for any party counting on disturbing the unitary Republic of Indonesia. Marines are ready to guard all seas here," he told reporters after the ceremony.

The new battalion would be located in Teluk Rantai, Lampung. Lt. Col. Bambang Suswantono has been appointed as commander of the battalion of 711 marines. -- JP