Two TNI Personnel Sent to Cambodia for ASEAN Observer Mission

JAKARTA - Two TNI personnel have been sent to Cambodia to carry out the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) mission, as a manifestation of Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining stability in Southeast Asia.

The two personnel, Lieutenant Colonel Devi Ibrohim and Major Rangga Hadi Saputra, arrived in Phnom Penh on 25 April 2026 to continue the monitoring mission for the ceasefire implementation between Cambodia and Thailand.

“The presence of these two TNI personnel to replace Colonel Hermawan Weharima and Lieutenant Colonel Sukmana Bayuaji, who have completed their assignment successfully, marks the continuity of Indonesia’s contribution to the regional monitoring mechanism,” stated the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh in its statement on Friday (1/5/2026), quoted from Antara.

This assignment is part of Indonesia’s active role in supporting ASEAN’s efforts to maintain peace and regional stability.

In the context of Cambodia-Thailand relations dynamics over the past year, the presence of a neutral and credible third party is deemed crucial to ensure the effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement and to prevent potential conflict escalation, according to the Indonesian Embassy.

This role is not only technical but also strategic in building trust and maintaining transparency between countries.

The AOT is a continuation of the ASEAN Interim Observer Team (IOT), whose formation was agreed upon at the Special Meeting in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on 28 July 2025.

The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the AOT was subsequently agreed upon at the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Cambodia and Thailand on 26 October 2025, serving as the operational basis for tasks in the field.

“For Indonesia, involvement in the AOT reflects a sustained commitment to promoting peaceful conflict resolution and strengthening the regional security architecture. The contribution of TNI personnel in the field embodies Indonesia’s active and constructive defence diplomacy,” stated the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh.