Koarmada III conducts military exercises in Sorong to counter separatist threats

The Indonesian Navy's Third Fleet Command (Koarmada III) conducted the 2026 Armed Separatist Movement Counteraction Operation exercise in the Reclamation Beach area of Sorong, Southwest Papua. The drill aimed to enhance the operational readiness, professionalism, and decision-making capabilities of personnel in response to security threats.

The exercise featured multi-agency integration, involving the Indonesian Army (via Babinsa), the National Police (via Bhabinkamtibmas), the Port Authority (KSOP), Customs, Pertamina, and Basarnas. This collaboration was designed to strengthen synergy and interoperability between different units and institutions during emergency situations.

Scenarios included land-based tactical responses involving Kopaska and Marine Corps Taifib units, as well as maritime environmental protection, such as simulating an oil spill response in coordination with Pertamina. Rear Admiral Dato Rusman Sutan Nurdin stated that the exercise is a proactive measure to build preparedness for potential emergencies rather than a response to current active incidents in the region.