Indonesia Clarifies Military Patrol in North Sulawesi During ASEAN Summit

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Joint military operation by the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) in North Sulawesi was conducted to support the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, according to the Head of the Defense Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait.

Rio said in a statement on Monday that the operation has now been ceased, as the series of high-level meetings between leaders of Southeast Asian countries has also been concluded.

Indonesia deployed a number of primary weapon systems during the operation, including five F-16 jets, Hercules, A400M, as well as three warships such as KRI Brawy, KRI Siliwangi, and KRI R.E. Martadinata.

The ASEAN Summit was held in Cebu, the Philippines, on Thursday and Friday, May 7 and 8, 2026. The international agenda attended by President Prabowo Subianto raised the theme "Navigating Our Future Together."

Rico clarified that the military operation in North Sulawesi was anticipatory in nature, and that "there were no specific threats against ASEAN heads of states or other delegates."

According to Rico, personnel readiness was the focus during the operation in North Sulawesi. "As well as reviewing the command and control systems, and swift response to various possible contingency situations in the [ASEAN] region," Rico added.

He mentioned that the implementation of TNI preparedness to support the smooth running of the ASEAN Summit does not violate any regulations. According to him, the joint military operation by the Indonesian Armed Forces is conducted with respect for the sovereignty of the Philippines as a friendly nation and the spirit of ASEAN cooperation.

Read: Indonesia Deploys F-16 Jets and Navy Ships to Secure ASEAN Summit

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