VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian Military's Battalion 643/Wanara Sakti and the Malaysian Army's (TDM) Battalion 500 and Battalion 602 have strengthened cooperation in securing the countries' borders in Jagoi Babang Sub-district, Bengkayang District, West Kalimantan.

"The TDM’s working visit also aims to review the condition of our joint post which accommodates TDM’s barrack," Commander of the Border Security Task Force of the Indonesian battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Hendro Wicaksono, said in Jagaoi Babang on Wednesday.

The visit was conducted by two Malaysia Military Liaison Officers (MMLOs) -- Lieutenant Colonel Haizal from TDM Battalion 500 and Major Arif from TDM Battalion 602, he informed.

"The Jagoi Babang Joint Post is a new security post. The establishment of the TDM’s barrack and other supporting facilities at the post is a strategic step in increasing the cooperation between the Indonesian military (TNI) and TDM in line with the construction of the Jagoi Babang border checkpoint," he said.

The result of the review will be discussed by the 38th Malaysia-Indonesia Land Operation Design Team (TPOD) in Malaysia as it is planned that the Malaysian army will replenish their personnel at each joint post, he added.

According to the Deputy Commander of the Border Security Task Force of the Indonesian battalion, Major Didik Lipur, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the TDM had assigned its personnel to the Aruk Joint Post and Entikong Joint Post.

“While, TNI had placed its officers at Biawak Joint Post in Malaysia. However, since the virus outbreak, each country had withdrawn their personnel," he added.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Haizal of the MMLO said the visit aimed to review the readiness of barracks at the Jagoi Babang Joint Post, which would be re-occupied by TDM personnel.

“Apart from the joint post, we will also review the preparedness of the Temajuk Joint Post and the Nangau Badau Joint Post,” he informed. (Antaranews)