Indonesian Air Force drills response to bomb threat on plane

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Air Force conducted a simulated aircraft bomb-threat exercise to sharpen personnel skills in responding to terrorism-related emergencies and strengthen operational readiness.

The drill was held on June 3 as part of the Air Operations Command II's "Sikatan Daya" 2026 readiness exercise at Abdulrachman Saleh Air Base in Malang, East Java.

The exercise simulated a bomb threat targeting an aircraft, testing coordination among air traffic controllers, security personnel, and explosive ordnance disposal teams under emergency conditions, according to an Air Force statement released on Saturday.

The scenario began when air traffic controllers at Abdulrachman Saleh Air Base received information from Surabaya Radar about a bomb threat against a Cassa 212 aircraft registered PK-ABD, Air Force spokesperson First Marshal I Nyoman Suadnyana said.

Controllers directed the aircraft to make an emergency landing at the air base. After touchdown, the base commander ordered personnel to secure the facility and evacuate passengers and crew in line with established procedures.

Members of the Rapid Action Force Corps and Air Force Military Police secured the area around the aircraft, while K-9 units and explosive ordnance disposal specialists conducted a thorough inspection.

Search teams later discovered a bag suspected of being the source of the threat. Explosive ordnance disposal personnel then carried out standard procedures to secure the suspicious object.

The object was transported by drum trailer to a demolition area and destroyed in accordance with safety protocols. The exercise was completed safely, with the Air Force saying the drill enhanced preparedness for potential terrorist threats.

ANTARA reported that a bomb threat against a Saudia flight forced the pilot to make an emergency landing at Kualanamu International Airport in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, on June 26, 2025.

In response to the threat, the Indonesian military deployed personnel under a military operation other than war (OMSP) framework to support security measures.

The military later declared the aircraft safe after inspections following the bomb threat, the second such incident involving a Saudia Airlines flight in mid-2025.

"A thorough inspection of the aircraft has been completed and it has been declared safe," military spokesperson Major General Kristomei Sianturi said at the time.

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Translator: Walda M, Rahmad Nasution

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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