Indonesia to Deploy Warships during ASEAN Summit in East Nusa Tenggara

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The Indonesian Military (TNI) will deploy its warships (KRI) for security measures during the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

"We are preparing the main weapons systems and troops to carry out security measures. As the venue is located by the sea, we will also prepare KRI," said TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono at TNI headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta on Thursday, April 13.

The TNI Commander did not provide details on the number of warships that will be deployed but said in addition to the Navy’s weaponry, TNI will also deploy weaponry from the Air Force.

"We will also prepare the Air Force weaponry for that purpose. We already held the first meeting," said Yudo.

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"Then we will also prepare weaponry for the narrow road in the area," Yudo added.

Yudo along with the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and the chief of staff of the three military branches will inspect the venue of the 42nd ASEAN Summit.

"So we hope everything will be carried out safely, well, and smoothly," said Yudo.

Previously, Yudo also prepared an emergency response plan for the Summit. During its preparation meeting at TNI headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta on Monday, April 10, Yudo said that all kinds of threats must be anticipated as early as possible.

"If there are demonstrations, which are one of the threats during the 42nd ASEAN Summit, an emergency or contingency plan must be prepared. If the demonstration occurs, it will close the access roads to the venue, so we must anticipate it from the beginning," said Yudo in a press release on Tuesday, April 11.