TNI to Deploy 32 Personnel from Pali to Sudan

Palu, C Sulawesi, Aug 5 (Antara) - The Indonesian Military will deploy 32 soldiers from Battalion 711/Raksatama Palu to Darfur Sudan to join the Garuda Contingent as peacekeeping soldiers of the United Nations for a one-year period. Commander of Battalion 711 Lieutenant Colonel (Inf) Sapta Budi Purnama stated here on Tuesday that the group will join the Composite Battalion Task Force of Garuda Contingent XXXV-B/United Nations Mission in Darfur along with 805 other soldiers. The soldiers had undergone training in Bogor, West Java, in mid-February 2014 before their deployment in Sudan. Sapta noted that the group will guard several United Nations assets and buildings in Sudan besides conducting peacekeeping operations. "They have a neutral stance and will not defend any parties. They will be part of a humanitarian mission," Sapta added. One of the soldiers of Battalion 711, First Sergeant Rizal, expressed his appreciation that he can be part of the Garuda Contingent and play a role for the international community. Rizal stated that it will be his first mission to a foreign country and join the Garuda Contingent. He had cleared a stringent selection process, which included physical and foreign language tests. The Indonesian Military has prepared the Konga XXXV-B/UNAMID Composite Battalion Task Force with 805 soldiers, 24 ANOA 6x6 panzers, 30 trucks, and 34 military vehicles. The Indonesian Military will deploy three companies in the El Geneina area and a company in Masteri that borders Chad. (*)