1,223 TNI AD Soldiers Combat Training In Natuna Riau, Majority Of The Composite Battalion

The Indonesian Army (AD) involved 1,223 soldiers in the inter-branch combat training (Ancab) in Natuna Regency, Riau Islands Province, which is one of Indonesia's leading regions.

The Commander of the Indonesian Army's Doctrine, Education and Training Development Command (Dankodilat) Lt. Gen. Mohammad Hasan said Ancab's training was held from November 16-20 on Bunguran Besar Island involving soldiers from various composite branches, including Armed, Arhanud, and Badminton.

The purpose of training is to increase the combat capabilities of TNI AD soldiers in an integrated manner through joint branching cooperation in the Composite Battalion.

Exercises are also in order to ensure that each element can operate effectively in a joint unit, strengthen command coordination, increase preparedness to face various threats, and test the effectiveness of defense equipment, tactics, and actual operating procedures in the field.

"Of the total participants, 225 soldiers served as organizers and 998 soldiers were part of the Composite Battalion, which was the main actor in the exercise," he said in Natuna, Thursday, as reported by Antara.

The exercise also deployed various Main Weapons System Equipment (Alutsista), including helicopters and heavy weapons with high explosive power.

In the training scenario, soldiers are faced with a simulation of enemy threats trying to control Indonesian territory through Natuna by sea.

The approach used adopted the concept of modern guerrillas with the support of tanks, helicopters, and other defense equipment.

According to Hasan, this activity is part of the implementation of the Universal People's Defense and Security System (Sishankamrata), namely the national defense system that involves all citizens, all regions, and national resources.

"In general, the universal defense exercise will mobilize all national forces, ranging from the main components such as the TNI, reserve components (Komcad), to supporting elements such as population and natural resources," he said.

To maintain security and comfort during the exercise, the Indonesian Army appealed to all users of air, sea and land routes in affected areas not to temporarily move.

This restriction was specifically implemented when the Indonesian Army fired a sharp, high-power bullet at the training target, namely Bunga Island and other targets.

"In this exercise, we have support from various parties, from local governments to the community. For this support, we express our gratitude," he said.