Kopassus to hold first battalion 13 exercise in Bengkulu

Bengkulu (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Army Special Forces, or Kopassus, will hold the inaugural exercise of Battalion 13 Group 1 in Bengkulu this month, featuring a hostage-rescue simulation involving military, police and emergency-response agencies.

Bengkulu Provincial Secretary Herwan Antoni said the exercise would strengthen cooperation between the regional government and Kopassus while delivering broader benefits to the local community.

"We hope this activity becomes an important momentum to enhance synergy between the regional government and Kopassus while providing positive impacts for the people of Bengkulu," Herwan said on Wednesday.

The provincial administration is prepared to provide logistical and operational support required to ensure the smooth implementation of the training program, he added.

According to Herwan, the exercise will not only improve troop professionalism but also reinforce interagency coordination in responding to emergencies and future humanitarian operations.

Preparations for the exercise were discussed during a coordination meeting chaired by Herwan at the Bengkulu governor's office.

The meeting was attended by representatives from local government agencies, the military, police, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and other relevant institutions.

Battalion 13 Group 1 Commander Gerry Heikal Cholid said the training aims to test combat readiness, survival skills in remote environments and personnel adaptability across different operational conditions.

"The exercise is designed to assess combat capability, survival skills and terrain adaptation. Bengkulu's natural environment provides suitable conditions for demanding tactical training," Gerry said.

Bengkulu's forests and varied landscapes were selected because they offer realistic tactical challenges. The exercise is expected to involve about 90 personnel from Kopassus Group 1.

Training activities are scheduled to begin on June 22 with a tactical parachute operation near Lake Dendam Tak Sudah. A hostage-rescue simulation will follow on June 25 at the Bengkulu governor's office complex.

The exercise will deploy tactical vehicles, helicopters, snipers, special forces units and paratroopers. It will also involve personnel from the Indonesian military, police, Basarnas, public order officers and the fire department.

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Translator: Boyke LW, Rahmad Nasution

Editor: Primayanti

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