TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) conducted a readiness operation in the North Sulawesi region on Friday, May 8, 2026, as part of the security support for the High-Level Conference of ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines. The operation involved fighter jets, transport planes, and three warships.
The Head of Information Bureau of Defense at the Ministry of Defense's General Secretariat, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, stated that the deployment of these military assets was part of the TNI's readiness operation to ensure regional stability during the ASEAN Summit. Rico mentioned, "There are five F-16 aircraft, Hercules, and A400M involved in this readiness operation. Three KRI (Ship of the Republic of Indonesia) ships were also deployed, namely Brawijaya, Siliwangi, and R.E. Martadinata," he said in his statement on Friday, May 8, 2026.
According to Rico, the readiness operation was conducted in North Sulawesi to ensure the security and smooth operation of the ASEAN Summit in Cebu. The operation involved ground, sea, and air elements in order to test the interoperability of the forces, the mobility of the personnel, the capabilities of the VVIP security, and the ability to respond rapidly to emergency conditions.
All activities, he said, were conducted in a measured and professional manner while still emphasizing the principles of caution and respect for the sovereignty of friendly nations. Indonesia also views the stability and security of the ASEAN region as a joint responsibility of Southeast Asian countries.
"The TNI's readiness in this context is part of Indonesia's contribution to supporting the creation of a safe, conducive regional situation and to the success of ASEAN's strategic agendas," said Rico.
President Prabowo Subianto attended the opening ceremony of the 48th ASEAN Summit on Friday, May 8, 2026. According to the Presidential Secretariat's written statement, Prabowo arrived around 09.04 local time and went directly to the event's foyer.
Upon arrival, Prabowo was greeted by Filipino President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his wife, Marie Louise Cacho Araneta Marcos. After the welcoming procession, the ASEAN leaders followed the opening sequence of the Summit, which serves as the main forum for discussing regional issues.
The ASEAN Summit 2026 carries the theme "Navigating Our Future Together." The forum provides ASEAN leaders with a space to discuss the region's direction amidst global geopolitical and economic pressures. Before the head of state meeting, the ASEAN foreign ministers first held preliminary agendas on Thursday, including the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council Meeting.
Ervana Trikarinaputri contributed to the writing of this article
Read: Prabowo Attends 48th ASEAN Summit Retreat Session
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