TNI Air Force Builds Radar Unit in Bengkulu in April 2026

The Indonesian Air Force will commence construction of a radar unit in South Bengkulu in April 2026 to strengthen air defence systems in the southern Sumatra region.

Bengkulu Deputy Governor Mian announced the plan at a ceremony in Bengkulu on Friday, expressing gratitude on behalf of Governor Bengkulu for the initiative. “In the near future, a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of radar facilities in South Bengkulu will be held as part of strengthening the air defence system,” he stated.

According to the Deputy Governor, the Bengkulu Provincial Government fully supports the radar unit development plan, considering it strategically important for reinforcing the national defence system, particularly in the western Indonesian airspace.

Synergy between local government and the Air Force is essential to ensure smooth construction progress according to schedule and to provide long-term benefits for regional security.

Commander of Lanud Sri Mulyono Herlambang, Colonel Zulkifli Arif Purba, explained that the radar unit (Satrad) construction will be located in Manna, Bengkulu Selatan district. “We from Lanud Sri Mulyono Herlambang, whose territorial area includes Bengkulu Province, are visiting to announce the radar unit development plan. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second week of April 2026, and we request support from the local government,” said Zulkifli Arif Purba.

The radar facility will enhance monitoring and security capabilities of airspace and strengthen early detection systems against potential threats in Indonesian national airspace. According to Purba, the radar unit construction is a strategic measure by the Air Force to maintain national air sovereignty, particularly in southern Sumatra, which borders directly with the Indian Ocean.