Army to form two combat battalions in C Kalimantan

The Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) plans to form two combat battalions in Central Kalimantan province, a spokesman said.

"The plan to form and develop these units is in line with the TNI-AD`s strategic plan," chief of the Panju military resort command Col. Rudiono Edi said on Tuesday.

One of the battalions will be set up in Muara Taweh, North Barito district, and consist of 1,000 men, he said.

The other battalion will be formed in Pangkalan Bun, West Kotawaringin district, he said.

Rudiono said the plan to form the new battalions was based on the perception of a possible threat to the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

Under the law on the Indonesian military, there were two types of military operations, namely war operations and non-war operations, he said.

Non-war operations were designed to help regional governments and police overcome such threats as natural disasters and haze.

To deal with all the threats, the army needs a large number of personnel, while its present personnel strength was not enough to perform effectively, he said.

Central Kalimantan which covers a total area of 153,564 sq km is made up of 13 districts and one municipality. The province now has one battalion of army troops. (ant)