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Personnel from the Pacific port visit task force raise the flags of Indonesia and the Solomon Islands as the KRI Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 docks in the Solomon Islands on Friday (October 25, 2024). (ANTARA/HO-TNI AL Fleet III Command Information Service)

VOI News, Jakarta: Indonesian naval warship KRI Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo (WSH)-991, a part of the 2024 Pacific port visit task force, arrived in the Solomon Islands on Friday.

The ship is on a goodwill mission in the Solomon Islands, the first stop in its South Pacific tour.

As quoted by Antara News Agency (25/10) Head of the information service of the Indonesian Navy's Fleet Command III, Lieutenant Colonel (S) Ajik Sismianto, informed that the mission will involve delivering medical aid packages, providing free health services, conducting blood donation drives on board the ship, and hosting an open house for the Solomon Islands community.

"We hope this activity runs smoothly and successfully, setting a positive precedent for future missions and fostering strong relations between our two countries," Navy Colonel (P) Arif Prasetyo Irbianto, commander of the Pacific port visit task force, conveyed in a statement.

KRI WSH-991, a hospital ship from Fleet Command III (Koarmada III), traveled 1,909 miles from Sorong, Southwest Papua, to reach Solomon. The journey took eight days.

At Honiara Pier, Navy Colonel (P) Edi Herdiana, the commander of KRI Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991, invited Indonesian citizens in the Solomon Islands and local residents on board.

Colonel Herdiana led a tour of the ship's facilities, which include a Type C hospital.

Indonesian Navy personnel and students from Papua, who are participating in the goodwill mission, are scheduled to visit historical sites in Solomon, such as the Vilu Military World War II museum, during their stay.

During the voyage from Sorong to Solomon, Indonesian Navy personnel received training in various areas, including basic first aid, surface danger combat roles, unit development competitions, operational law, and rules of engagement for overseas missions.

In addition to Solomon, KRI WSH-991's mission includes visits to Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea.

The ship will provide social services, renovate places of worship, offer free health services, and distribute medical aid packages in each country it visits.

KRI WSH-991 will also host receptions on the ship's deck, featuring traditional Indonesian dances and cuisine. (Antara)

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

VOInews, Jakarta: For the first time in history, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) is set to hold joint military exercises with the Russian Navy in a collaboration known as Latihan Bersama (Latma) Orruda 2024. This groundbreaking exercise is scheduled to take place at the Indonesian Navy’s Fleet Command II (Koarmada II) in Surabaya from November 4 to 8, 2024.

Latma Orruda 2024 is the result of an agreement reached during the inaugural Navy-to-Navy Talks (NTNT) between the TNI AL and Russian Navy, held in 2018. The name "Orruda" is a combination of the national symbols of both countries: Orel (the Russian eagle) and Garuda (Indonesia's national emblem), symbolizing the strong and growing collaboration between the two naval forces. "This exercise marks a historic milestone in the military relationship between Indonesia and Russia, particularly in the maritime domain," a senior TNI AL official stated on Tuesday (October 22, 2024).

The exercise will encompass a series of War Military Operations (OMP) scenarios, divided into two phases: the Harbor Phase and the Sea Phase. The Indonesian Navy will deploy several of its leading defense assets, including the KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332, KRI Frans Kaisiepo-368, and the AS 565 MBE helicopter. On the Russian side, the Russian Navy will field Corvet Class warships such as the RF Soversheny, RF Gromky, RF Aldar Tsydenzhapov, as well as a medium tanker, a KA-27 helicopter, and the Tug Salvage Alatau rescue vessel.

This joint exercise aims to enhance military cooperation between the two nations and improve the operational capabilities of both navies in maintaining regional security and stability. "The exercise is expected to strengthen interoperability and further solidify military relations between the Indonesian Navy and the Russian Navy," the official added.

In a separate statement, the Chief of Naval Staff (Kasal), Admiral Dr. Muhammad Ali, underscored the importance of thorough preparation by the entire TNI AL ahead of the Latma Orruda 2024 exercise. “I expect all personnel to give their utmost in this mission and ensure that the exercise is conducted according to plan,” emphasized Admiral Ali.

As outlined in an official statement, joint exercises like Latma Orruda 2024 are part of the Indonesian Navy's broader efforts to enhance the capacity and professionalism of its personnel, particularly in addressing maritime security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, this exercise serves as a significant symbol of the deepening military cooperation between Indonesia and Russia in recent years. It is hoped that through this collaboration, both countries will be able to work more closely in safeguarding peace and maritime security, not only in Southeast Asia but also in international waters.

Source: tni.mil.id.

VOInews, Jakarta: Political expert from The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Gadjah Mada University and a steering committee member of MOSAIC (Muslims for Shared Action on Climate Impact), Abdul Gaffar Karim, Wednesday (23/10/2024) optimistic that President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka can address climate change issue in Indonesia through collaborative efforts.

"Our hope is that there will be a continuation from the previous government, particularly with an emphasis on green and blue economies," he stated in a statement, acknowledging the urgency of the climate crisis.

Indonesia has set ambitious climate goals, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 29% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. These targets are critical, particularly given Indonesia's status as one of the world's largest carbon emitters due to deforestation and reliance on fossil fuels.

However, Gaffar is acutely aware that government initiatives alone are not enough. He stresses the necessity of collaboration among various stakeholders, including government entities, the economic sector, civil society, and local communities. "Governments often prioritize physical development, such as infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, the economic community adheres to a global framework for sustainability, being mindful of carbon emissions and environmental degradation," he elaborated.

He further emphasized that local communities play a vital role in implementing these initiatives, as they are often the first to experience the impacts of climate change. This connection, he believes, is essential for creating a robust and effective response to climate challenges.

"The government can continue its infrastructure and policy initiatives, corporations can maintain their operations, and society can remain actively engaged," he said.

At MOSAIC, Gaffar and his colleagues are actively working to bridge the gaps between these sectors. "What we are doing at MOSAIC is strengthening collaboration among diverse parties," he said.

Despite the strong commitment of society to environmental issues, Gaffar noted that the three sectors—government, business, and civil society—often function independently. "Collaboration is essential," he asserted, highlighting MOSAIC's role in promoting cooperation, particularly among Islamic community groups.

The organization brings together various Islamic organizations and civil society elements, including Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, alongside academic institutions like Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). "Each organization has its own commitment to environmental issues. We are still exploring how these institutions can collaborate more effectively," he remarked.

MOSAIC has initiated several concrete actions to combat climate change, including programs like "sedekah energi" (energy donation) and "wakaf hutan" (forest endowment). "These programs serve as practical models for Islamic philanthropy while collectively addressing climate change challenges," Gaffar explained.

Gaffar reiterated the importance of collective action. "Islamic philanthropy can serve as a vital channel to address climate change in Indonesia," he concluded. "By fostering collaboration and commitment, we can develop impactful solutions that benefit both our communities and the environment," he said.

He also underscored the pivotal role of the government in this endeavor. "It is crucial for the government to enhance collaboration on climate change initiatives, starting with straightforward and actionable steps, such as fostering a more proactive partnership between the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs," he said.