ASIATODAY.ID, MOROWALI — The strategic industrial hub of the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) transformed into a large-scale military operations zone as the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) conducted the 2025 Integrated Joint Exercise (Latgab) on Thursday, November 20, 2025 ago.
Hundreds of elite troops from multiple branches executed synchronized airborne combat operations under the direct supervision of Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
The major exercise, conducted around the PT IMIP airfield, featured two key scenarios: the Air Base Seizure and Control Operation (OP3U) and a large-scale airborne insertion (linud).
The first sortie involved paratroopers from Yonko 466 Korpasgat, followed by personnel from Yonif 432 and Yonif 433 Kostrad. All jumps were executed using C-130 tactical transport aircraft in modern combat formation.
TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, Deputy Commander General Tandyo Budi, Attorney General ST Burhanuddin, and BPKP Head Yusuf Ateh also attended to assess operational readiness on the ground.
According to the TNI Headquarters, the exercise aims to reinforce national security around critical infrastructure, specifically the nickel-processing complex in Morowali, which plays a central role in Indonesia’s downstream mineral strategy.
“These drills enhance the combat readiness of our troops for rapid and precise responses in strategic zones,” said Colonel Agung Saptoadi, Head of Public Affairs at TNI Headquarters.
Defense Minister: Joint Exercise Targets Illegal Nickel Operations
Defense Minister Sjafrie emphasized that the Morowali joint exercise is directly connected to the government’s broader agenda to combat illegal extraction and smuggling of natural resources, especially nickel in eastern Indonesia.
“We will conduct a dedicated Joint Exercise to secure and regulate nickel resources in Morowali,” Sjafrie stated.
A similar operation was staged earlier in Bangka Belitung to safeguard the region’s tin reserves, which have long been vulnerable to smuggling. Sjafrie highlighted previous cases where natural resource revenues never reached the state due to systemic collusion across multiple agencies.
“There was a company with complete mining infrastructure, yet none of its output entered the state’s books. There were illicit networks involving customs, immigration, quarantine, even airport staff,” he noted.
Three Major Measures to Strengthen Indonesia’s Resource Security
1. Massive Reinforcement of Ground Forces
The government will establish 750 new infantry battalions by 2029, each with 1,000 personnel, positioned across Indonesia’s 514 districts.
2. Advanced Maritime Surveillance With Unmanned Submarines
Starting in 2026, PT PAL will mass-produce KSOT unmanned submarines, capable of operating for up to six months without recharging—ideal for monitoring smuggling routes.
3. Aerial Modernization for Territorial Air Coverage
The Indonesian Air Force is now equipped with the Airbus A400M, with Rafale fighter jets scheduled to arrive gradually starting next year—part of a broader plan to establish an expanded “air shield” across the archipelago.
Minister Sjafrie expressed confidence that 2025 will mark a turning point in eliminating illegal exploitation and smuggling of Indonesia’s natural resources, including nickel. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel