TNI Commander: Alert Status 1 is merely a Personnel Readiness Drill
TNI Commander Agus Subiyanto has emphasised that the Alert Status 1 implemented across several military units is part of a routine personnel and equipment readiness exercise.
According to Agus, the term “Siaga 1” (Alert Status 1) is standard military terminology commonly used to ensure troop readiness for various contingencies, including natural disasters.
“Alert Status 1 is military terminology, a term commonly used in the military. I have implemented Alert Status 1 in various units, particularly the Quick Response Disaster Management Force. Each regional military command (Kodam) has one battalion on Alert Status 1 in the event of a natural disaster in its area,” he told reporters at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday 10 March.
He explained that the measure is intended to test personnel readiness and the military equipment available to the TNI. Consequently, this status should not be interpreted as a national emergency situation.
“We are testing personnel and material readiness. It’s routine,” Agus said.
The statement simultaneously addressed speculation linking Alert Status 1 to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Agus firmly denied any direct connection between the two.
“It’s routine. Alert Status 1 is standard,” he said.
Regarding the presence of military tactical vehicles in the National Monument area, Agus stated this is also part of the readiness exercise simulation.
“We are testing personnel readiness with equipment. We measure how many minutes it takes from those areas to reach Jakarta. If something happens in Jakarta, forces can be deployed quickly,” he said.
Agus added that the readiness exercise has no specific time limit. Once the evaluation is completed, personnel and equipment will return to their respective units.
“There is no set timeframe. It’s a readiness exercise. Once completed, we evaluate and return them to their units,” he concluded.
He also noted that some personnel will assist police in security operations ahead of several national events, including Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr celebrations.