TNI Deploys Fighter Jets, Battleships to Secure AAC

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) deployed four F-16s combat aircrafts, several helicopters and warships to complement the government's effort to secure the Asian-African Conference, which is slated to be held between April 18 to April 24, 2015, in Jakarta and Bandung.

"In Madiun, Yogjakarta, and Solo, we have placed our Sukhoi jets on standbye, whereas in the inner security ring, we will deploy our F-16s jets," said the Indonesian Airforce (TNI AU) Chief of Staff Agus Supriatna after leading the joint security consolidation and rehearsal for the Conference at The National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, April 15, 2015.

In addition to the combat aircrafts, TNI AU also plans to utilise several of its' Super Puma helicopters and Boeing aircrafts to transport the Heads of States and Heads of Governments from Jakarta to Bandung.

"We will also be placing snipers on helicopters, to help observe and sterilise the land route," said Supriatna.

Furthermore, the chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) Adm. Ade Supandi said that TNI AL wil station several warcrafts to secure the sea lanes that could be used as an entry point for possible foreign threats, such as the strategic shipping routes between the Sunda Strait and the Java Sea.

"Apart from our warships, we will also station patrol ships, escape vessels, and two teams of our amphibious forces," said Supandi, who added that an additional 1,200 personnel will be stationed to secure the Conference, as well as a Bell 412 helicopter and a maritime surveillance aircraft.

"These additional forces will be deployed to Java's southern coast as of today," said Supandi.

ANTARANEWS