TNI LAUNCHES SEA COMBAT READY OPERATIONS

Jakarta, March 6 (ANTARA) - The Indonesian military (TNI) again launched sea combat ready operations 2009 code-named "Sea Dragon Operation" to boost TNI's existence particularly the navy in Indonesian waters bordering with other countries.

"The change in strategic environment is more dynamic and complex. Therefore the challenges to be faced will also be bigger and complex," TNI commander's operations assistant Major General Supiadin said when seeing off officers involved in the operations.
The operation under the command of the Western Fleet was intended for maintaining sea security and as a media for showing the navy's existence as a defense and sea territorial enforcement forces, he said.
Supiadin said the operation would be carried out in the country's western region's waters particularly in strategic points directly bordering with neighbouring countries.
"The strategic points are for example the Malacca Strait and Nipah Island waters that border with Singapore. They are potential to become conflict points unless they are managed well and therefore we have to demonstrate our existence," he said.
The operations would be carried out from March to May involving five warships namely KRI Yos Sudarso 353, KRI Cut Nyak Dien 375, KRI Sultah Thaha Saefudi, KRI Pulau Rusa 726 and KRI Sikunda 863.
A maritime reconaissance plane, two frogmen units and two repair teams would also be involved.