"We will develop joint exercises through capacity building based on mutual respect. The training is planned to be developed in Morotai and Papua with exercise in sea, land, and air," he informed during a working meeting with Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Monday.
According to Sjamsoeddin, multilateral military exercises could support the creation of regional power for Indonesia.
"I hope our region can be proud of Indonesia. This regional power has become our target as pioneered by former defense minister Prabowo Subianto," he added.
He further said that 100 territorial infantry battalions will be formed for development in 2025, with the aim of preparing soft power besides hard power.
According to Sjamsoeddin, the territorial development battalions will look after several elements such as livestock, fisheries, agriculture, and health. They will assist communities across Indonesia.
"The President has determined the national strategy to ensure that each district will be maintained and guarded by one territorial development infantry battalion reinforced with two reserve component battalions," he explained.
As for sea power development, in 2025, his ministry will focus on filling several choke points to close the gap for potential infiltration efforts from foreign powers into Indonesia's territory.
His ministry will also install an aerial protection plan to develop Indonesia's air defense power.
"This aerial protection plan is necessary by having fighter plane squadrons, as we already conducted. However, we should consider future steps since we do not have certainty on the real possible threats," Sjamsoeddin said.
Therefore, the minister underlined the necessity to prepare interim fighter plane capabilities while waiting for the new equipment to arrive in the country.
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Translator: Melalusa Susthira, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Arie Novarina
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