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TNI deployment in Poso for training, not to chase terrorists
The ongoing tri-service military exercise in Poso, Central Sulawesi, was being held not to hunt down the notorious Santoso-led terrorist group but was purely an exercise, Indonesian Army chief spokesman Brig
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he ongoing tri-service military exercise in Poso, Central Sulawesi, was being held not to hunt down the notorious Santoso-led terrorist group but was purely an exercise, Indonesian Army chief spokesman Brig. Gen. Wuryanto said on Thursday.
"It is purely a military exercise involving the Army, Navy and Air Force," he said referring to the Exercise Anoa Laut 2015.
"The exercise is being held in Poso because it has a beach that can be used to simulate a foreign force invasion."
Some 3,000 soldiers are taking part in the 12-day training that commenced on March 22. The bulk of the participants are from the second division of the Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad).
The first and second divisions of Kostrad are taking turns manning the Indonesian Military (TNI)'s Quick Reaction Striking Force (PPRC), which is required to respond to any threats in 24 hours.
The Indonesian Air Force and Navy, including the Marine Corps, are also parts of PPRC.
Wuryanto rejected reports that the training was being held to chase Santoso and his men.
"There are only 19 of them with only 5 firearms," he said.
"The idea that the military is chasing after them undermines our personnel. On the other hand, Santoso's group would feel more important."
The one-star general said the terrorists were getting clever with their tactics.
"The authorities hunting the terrorists [inadvertently] are training them. Being hunted so often, the terrorists are getting smarter," said Wuryanto. (nvn)(++++)
