TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Air Force holds security drill on Indonesia-Singapore border
Change Size
Air Force personnel stand near five Hawk jet fighter at Hang Nadim Air Base in Batam, Riau Islands on Tuesday, April 3. (JP/Fadli)
S
quadron I of Supadio Air Force Base held a security drill in Indonesia’s archipelagic sea lane (ALKI) I on Tuesday, which includes the waters of the Indonesian-Singapore border and Natuna, located near disputed areas in the South China Sea.
As many as 60 personnel from the Indonesian Air Force joined the operation, called 2018 Segara Axis, which involved five Hawk 100 and Hawk 200 jet fighters. They were assigned to monitor illegal activities in the sea such as illegal fishing, mining and logging transportation. The personnel also monitored hostile vessels diverging from its route or vessels throwing waste into the sea.
Squadron I of Supadio Air Base commander Lt. Col. Agung Indra Jaya said the operation designated Hang Nadim Airport in Batam, Riau Islands province as the base for the jet fighters as well as soldiers until the operation ends on April 5.
“The operation is for the ALKI 1 security measures. We will identify and monitor any possible crimes taking place in the sea and take action against the perpetrators,” he said, adding that monitoring would start from the air after coordinating with actors in the field.
“Batam was chosen as the base of the drill because of its strategic location,” he added. (dpk/rin)
