Jakarta (Antara Babel) - The commander of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), General Gatot Nusmantyo, said here on Thursday that the TNI planned to expand the deployment of its forces outside Java.
"This is being done in anticipation of the impact of certain changes at the global level," he stated after concluding a meeting of the TNI leadership at the force's headquarters.
He noted that President Joko Widodo has issued directives in this regard and the TNI has been asked to take measures to anticipate global changes and prepare to deal with the emerging situation.
"The measures include making immediate changes in the distribution of forces so that these are not concentrated merely in Java," he explained.
General Nurmantyo pointed out that no new military commands or operations commands would be established though the formation of a new fleet is on the cards. This will be the third fleet in Papua.
So far, the Indonesian navy has had two fleets --- the Western Fleet located in Jakarta and the Eastern Fleet deployed in Surabaya, East Java.
"The third fleet must be set up because we have so far relied on the Eastern Fleet only. A new fleet is needed in Papua," he reiterated.
General Nurmantyo informed that the plan would first be submitted to President Joko Widodo for further analysis and then a decision would be taken.
"Hopefully, it will be realized this year," he concluded.
