Army readies Natuna composite battalion, Riau Islands Kodam
The chief of Kodam XIX overseeing Riau and the Riau Islands says that Gardapati, the Indonesian Army's only composite battalion, is ready to launch following an eight-year trial.
The Indonesian Army is set to officially launch its only composite battalion, Gardapati, in Natuna, the Riau Islands, following an eight-year testing period. Maj. Gen. Agus Hadi Waluyo, the chief of Kodam XIX overseeing Riau and the Riau Islands, announced the battalion's readiness at a press conference. The composite battalion, stationed in Ranai, Natuna regency, will serve as an integrated ground force to protect the border and respond to regional security dynamics.
Under the North Natuna Sea Security Task Force and Joint Regional Defense Command (Kogabwilhan) I, Gardapati will bolster national defense in the strategic North Natuna Sea. The Army's only composite battalion is vital for safeguarding the region's borders and addressing evolving security challenges, according to Waluyo. He emphasized that the battalion's formation is not a response to territorial dynamics in the South China Sea, but rather a commitment to the North Natuna Sea Security Task Force's duties.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
