TNI Tests Tri-Service Interoperability in Integrated Exercise in Lingga

Batam (ANTARA) - The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) conducted an integrated tri-service exercise in Lingga Regency, Riau Islands Province, as an effort to test the interoperability of personnel and primary weapons defence systems (alutsista) in joint operations.

Head of the TNI Information Centre, Brigadier General Muhammad Nas, said the exercise involved elements of the Indonesian Army, Navy and Air Force, prioritising integrated operational capabilities across the services.

“This exercise is a TNI integrated tri-service exercise. We want to show that the TNI is ready with the personnel and weapons systems that have been provided to us. What we want to demonstrate is the interoperability of the three services,” he said in Lingga on Tuesday.

According to him, the exercise tested the readiness of both personnel and weapons systems to carry out operations in an integrated manner.

“The exercise also aims to ensure that the TNI Commander can exercise command and control of operations effectively down to the lowest unit,” he said.

A long-range reconnaissance detachment (KDOL), comprising 13 personnel from the Dalpur Denmatra 2 of the Quick Reaction Forces Corps (Korpasgat) and 12 personnel from the 328th Infantry Battalion, was deployed to secure the target area, mark landing zones, observe the terrain, and provide information on area conditions and the enemy situation before the main force deployment.

The exercise integrated the capabilities of the CN-235 transport aircraft of the 27th Air Squadron based in Biak, Korpasgat and the 328th Infantry Battalion as part of testing the TNI’s joint operational capability.

The exercise was reviewed directly by TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, accompanied by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Marshal M. Tonny Harjono.

“We want to show that the TNI is professional with the personnel and materiel it possesses, and is ready to carry out its duties in accordance with the mandate of the law, both Military Operations for War and Military Operations Other Than War, up to safeguarding the outermost and most remote regions of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia,” he said.

He explained that, in addition to involving the full strength of the land, sea and air services, the series of exercises also encompassed Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP) in the form of social and community service activities involving more than 12,000 personnel.

Through the exercise, the TNI hopes that interoperability between the services will grow stronger, so that joint operations can be carried out more effectively in facing various threats and in supporting the country’s defence readiness.