VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: The Head of the Indonesian Army’s Corps of Engineers (Kapusziad), Major General Budi Hariswanto, has proposed the creation of a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) control center to bolster the nation’s defense against modern biological warfare. This recommendation was made during a focused group discussion (FGD) held on October 22, 2024, under the theme "Building National Biological Defense Autonomy to Anticipate Modern Biological Warfare."

“The establishment of an NBC control center is crucial to ensure that the TNI can effectively utilize biological materials and chemical weapons to safeguard the nation from the threats of modern warfare,” Budi stated in an official press release issued by the TNI on Wednesday (October 23, 2024).

In addition to the formation of the NBC control center, Budi underscored the importance of creating specialized NBC units within each branch of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) and enhancing the NBC unit within the Army Corps of Engineers. He stressed that this effort is vital in addressing the escalating threat of chemical and biological warfare in the modern era.

“This control center will also play a pivotal role in countering chemical and biological weapon threats that could endanger the nation’s sovereignty. We must be prepared to face these challenges,” Budi emphasized.

Budi elaborated on the nature of modern biological warfare, which involves various critical elements, including the types of attacks, targets, characteristics of biological materials, and the required responses and impact mitigation. “Modern biological warfare encompasses hybrid warfare, targeting humans and other living organisms. The biological agents used have the potential to evolve or mutate, which demands swift and proactive anticipation,” he explained.

Beyond prevention, Budi highlighted the necessity for the TNI to have advanced research facilities to support the study and development of biological materials. “There must be a program to develop laboratories and strengthen technological research, supported by national and international collaborations,” he added.

Budi further recommended strengthening national regulations to address biological threats. "The TNI recommends the establishment of a biological weapons task force, the harmonization of regulations regarding the possession and storage of high-risk biological materials, and the creation of supervisory bodies to ensure the quality and safety of biological facilities," he noted.

He expressed hope that these recommendations would be seriously considered by the government to reinforce national defense capabilities, particularly in the realm of biological material usage. “With these measures, we can ensure that the nation’s sovereignty is protected against the increasingly complex threats posed by biological warfare,” Budi concluded.

Source: Antara