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Indonesia strengthens aerial reconnaissance for maritime security
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On guard: Local residents observe the Indonesian Air Force’s (TNI AU) fighting jets and their equipment displayed at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base in Pekanbaru, Riau, on March 26. (Antara/Rony Muharrman)
T
he Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) has strengthened its aerial reconnaissance to protect the country’s maritime territories from illegal activities.
“We have a routine patrol to observe our maritime territories from the air. We can send all information, photos and data directly to the land to support our Navy,” Air Force’s Squadron V of Strategic Reconnaissance commander Lt. Col. Akal Juang told journalists in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Wednesday.
He said many illegal activities, including illegal fishing, people and goods smuggling and illegal border migration, had taken place in Indonesia’s maritime territories. The support from the Air Force would accelerate maritime security as Indonesia has a vast water territory, he added.
Besides water security, the Air Force also observed outer islands and maritime areas in in the country’s archipelagic sea lane (ALKI) I, II and III.
Currently the Air Force has five military airplanes, four Boeing 737 and one CN 235 MP, to do the reconnaissance missions. High-resolution cameras, data technology and radars equip the planes.
“The planes can take photos from 35,000 feet and send information in real time,” Akal Juang said.
Air Force spokesperson Air Commodore Jemi Trisonjaya said the Air Force had planned to strengthen the Squadron V with more airplanes and modern equipment.
“We are maximizing surveillance tools on the airplanes,” he said. (ebf)
