Jakarta – Twenty-nine countries, including Indonesia, concluded the biggest Asia-Pacific military joint exercise ever in Thailand on Sunday.
Around 4,500 personnel from the army, navy and the air forces participated in the 2019 Cobra Gold to evaluate their troops through the Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (Calfex), among other activities.
For Indonesia, around 51 personnel were involved in the exercises, which were held from Feb.12 to 22 and organized by Thailand and the United States.
This year's event also marks the first joint cyber operation that aims to identify and protect important information in case of a cyberattack.
Maj. Gen. Ganip Warsito, commander of the Military Area Command XIII/Merdeka in Manado, North Sulawesi, said the program had helped Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel improve their skills for future operations.
"The TNI's involvement in this international [military] program will positively impact TNI's preparedness in facing regional [issues] while empowering Indonesia's diplomacy in international forums," he said.
He added that the TNI should remain active in such military events to stay relevant in carrying out military diplomacy missions and strengthen teamwork during operations involving foreign troops.
Military officials from South Korea, Singapore, Japan and Malaysia among other countries were also invited to oversee the program.
At the same occasion, each country had the chance to show off their latest equipment and military vehicles. (mai)