Thursday, 17 September, 2015 | 16:16 WIB
Indonesia Ranked 12th in Global Military Ranking
TEMPO/Johannes P. Christo
TEMPO.CO,
Jakarta - Indonesia is placed at 12th in the world’s military ranking with power index 0.5231, according to Global Firepower, which ranks military power based on 50 indicators, which include budget, infrastructure and energy reserves without including nuclear capability.
“The most important thing is not the military rank achieved by Indonesia, but what countries are in the top five and what can we do for improvement,” said Hanafi Rais, deputy chairman of commission I of the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, September 16.
The top five countries are the United States, Russia, China, India and Britain.
Hanafi said even though Indonesia is in the 12th place, Indonesia is still far behind the top five countries in terms of military quality. Therefore, improvement must be done through modernization of primary weaponry defense system and strengthening of defense strategy.
He explained that the strengthening of defense strategy is in line with President Joko Widodo and TNI commander Gatot Nurmantyo’s vision that emphasizes land and sea border control.
“Besides that, we need to modernize other equipment, such as radar to safeguard Indonesia’s airspace, including taking over Indonesia’s flight information region that is used by Singapore in northern Bintan Island,” said Hanafi.
INEZ
Indonesia Ranked 12th in Global Military Ranking  | National | Tempo.Co :: Indonesian News Portal
Friday, 18 September, 2015 | 08:44 WIB
PNG Army Freed Two Indonesian Hostages
Regional Military Commander XVII/Cenderawasih, Major General Hinsa Siburian (2nd left) in Timika, Papua. ANTARA/Spedy Paereng
TEMPO.CO,
Jakarta - Cendrawasih Military Commander Major General Hinsa Siburian confirmed on Friday, September 18, that both Indonesian citizens who was held hostage by a group of armed separatists in Papua have been freed by the Papua New Guinean (PNG) army.
“The PNG army succeeded in freeing the hostages and now they are in Vanimo, Sandaun Province capital," said Cendrawasih Military Commander Major General Siburian on Friday.
The two-star general told Antara News Agency from Karubaga, capital of Tolikara, that the two hostages in good condition. "More importantly, the two hostages have been released unharmed," said Major General Siburian.
The two Indonesians were taken hostage by armed groups since September 9, Sudirman and Badar, were both woodcutters. In addition to kidnapping the two Indonesians, the gunmen also shot two others, in Skopro village, Arso Timur District, Keerom.
ANTARA
PNG Army Freed Two Indonesian Hostages  | National | Tempo.Co :: Indonesian News Portal
Friday, 18 September, 2015 | 09:30 WIB
TNI Deploys Peacekeeping Mission Troops to Mali
Indonesian peacekeeping troops illustration. Tempo/Dian Triyuli Handoko
TEMPO.CO,
Jakarta - The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Headquarters will send 140 joint troops to Mali consisting of 121 army soldiers and 19 air force soldiers. “The deployment of troops is for UN peace keeing mission,” said Chief of Staff Air Marshal Dede Rusamsi in a press release on Thursday, September 17.
TNI will also deploy three MI-17 helicopters to Mali. According to the plan, 140 troops led by Lt. Col. Zulfirman Chaniago will depart on Friday, while the three helicopters will be deployed to Mali on September 23. The troops and helicopters will be on duty in Mali for one year.
According to Dede, the TNI helicopter task force will maintain peace in Mali which has worsened in the last few years. Mali has been marred with crises in politics, security, social cohesion, discrimination and internal disputes. “In accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2164 in 2014, the mission of TNI helicopter task force is to ensure security, stability and protection of civilians as well as support national political dialogue and reconciliation,” said Dede.
Representing TNI commander, Dede asked the troops to carry out their task professionally and in accordance with the rules of engagement that have been determined by UN integration command.
“Don’t forget to carry out helicopter maintenance according to the procedure. The helicopters and the personnel must not be forced beyond their limit in carrying out their tasks,” he said.
INDRA WIJAYA
TNI Deploys Peacekeeping Mission Troops to Mali | International | Tempo.Co :: Indonesian News Portal