"Several weapon system equipment would be used to support the exercise."
Natuna (ANTARA News) - The commander of the Indonesian defense forces (TNI), Admiral Agus Suhartono, is scheduled to open a Rapid Reaction Strike Force (PPRC) exercise in Natuna, Riau Islands, on Tuesday.

"Tomorrow at around 6am the commander and delegation would leave for Singiap island by helicopter to inspect the coast for amphibious landing," the director of training, Col. Ainurrahman said after welcoming the arrival of the commander at Ranai airbase in Natuna on Monday.

Admiral Agus Suhartono arrived at the Ranai airbase at around 5.30pm aboard an Air Force plane accompanied by several high-ranking military officials from the air force, the navy and the army.

He was welcomed on arrival by the commander of the Bukit Barisan Military Commander, Major General Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus, the chief of the 033 Wirapratama Military Resort Command, Brigadier General Deni K Irawan, the commander of the Ranai air base Lt Col Tribowo Setyo Cahyono and other local military and administration officials.

Ainurrahman said the forces to be involved in the Kilat XXIX TA 2012 exercise include forces from the Airborne Unit of the Infantry Batallion 330, the air force`s special unit (Paskhas), the marines corps, the infantry, the Airborne Operations Front line Command, the amphibious surveillance (IFAM) and others.

"Several weapon system equipment would be used to support the exercise including fighter planes, warships and tanks," he said.

The theme of the exercise is carrying out enforcement operations to restore situation in Natuna in the framework of restoring the integrity of the Unitary State of Indonesia, he said.

He said on Tuesday morning hundred personnel from the Airborne Unit would conduct parachute jumping at Ranai airbase to then move to stifle the enemy forces controlling a number of vital objects.

An amphibious strike force would also land at Sengiap coast to paralyze the enemy that has already occupied the island.

"The exercise materials include airborne, amphibious, air supporting, joint operations and land joint operations," he said.

He said the exercise was aimed at preparing operations readiness and improving the fitness of personnel to meet any threat and harassment from home and abroad.

"TNI units from various branches have been deployed according to their respective duties and tasks including the PPRC as an early respond force to act in any trouble spot area in the Unitary State of Indonesia," he said.
(Uu.H-YH/KR-BSR)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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