President Yudhoyono Monitors Joint Military Exercise

Surabaya, E Java (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Thursday morning monitored joint Indonesian Military (TNI) Exercise 2013 in East Java waters on board of Indonesian Warship (KRI) Makassar 590 which sailed from Dermaga Ujung Naval Base of East Naval Fleet Command. Yudhoyono arrived at Dermaga Ujung at 07.00 am and was welcomed by TNI Commander Admiral Agus Suhartono as well as several Military Chief of Staff and Indonesian Police Chief General Timur Pradopo. President monitored several maneuvers and military exercise actions on Thursday, within his route to Probolinggo, E Java Province through the waters. Vice President Boediono also monitors the join military exercise from KRI Surabaya 591. The KRI Makassar 590 and KRI Surabaya 591 are Landing Platform Dock (LPD) type vessels which are made by Daesun Shipbuildings & Engineering CO. Ltd of S Korea. Both of the vessels can load at least three helicopters. President Yudhoyono and VP Boediono plans to watch join operation of ground training on Friday (May 3) in Situbondo District. Previously, Suhartono said war drill in Situbondo is a preliminary exercise which will continue at Sangatta of E Kalimantan and Bima of W Nusa Tenggara up to May 29, 2013. He said Indonesian Air Force, Indonesian Navy and Indonesian Army deploy soldiers with total of 16,745 personnel and supported by several primary weaponry such as warships, jet fighters, tanks, and rocket as well as howitzers. Some warships from 27 units which follow the drill have conduct soldiers embarkation effort and loaded tactical equipments which are needed for the military exercise. (*)