![](https://statik.tempo.co/data/2015/02/18/id_372248/372248_620.jpg)
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Headquarters will send 140 joint troops to Mali consisting of 121 army soldiers and 19 air force soldiers. “The deployment of troops is for UN peace keeing mission,” said Chief of Staff Air Marshal Dede Rusamsi in a press release on Thursday, September 17.
TNI will also deploy three MI-17 helicopters to Mali. According to the plan, 140 troops led by Lt. Col. Zulfirman Chaniago will depart on Friday, while the three helicopters will be deployed to Mali on September 23. The troops and helicopters will be on duty in Mali for one year.
According to Dede, the TNI helicopter task force will maintain peace in Mali which has worsened in the last few years. Mali has been marred with crises in politics, security, social cohesion, discrimination and internal disputes. “In accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2164 in 2014, the mission of TNI helicopter task force is to ensure security, stability and protection of civilians as well as support national political dialogue and reconciliation,” said Dede.
Representing TNI commander, Dede asked the troops to carry out their task professionally and in accordance with the rules of engagement that have been determined by UN integration command.
“Don’t forget to carry out helicopter maintenance according to the procedure. The helicopters and the personnel must not be forced beyond their limit in carrying out their tasks,” he said.
INDRA WIJAYA