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Singapore Army Gets New Training Ground

03 Juni 2012

Sukhothai, Thailand (image : Google Maps)

The Defence Ministry has proposed an additional training ground, possibly in Sukhothai, for the Singaporean military, Defence Minister ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat said yesterday.

He was speaking after a meeting with his Singaporean counterpart, Ng Eng Hen during his visit to the city state to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, an inter-governmental security forum currently being held in Singaporeuntil tomorrow.

ACM Sukumpol said Singapore, which has leased the training ground at the Sai Yok army camp in Kanchanaburi, needs a larger space as its military might need to use live ammunition during training.

Both sides agreed to establish another training ground.

A military source said the ministry might set aside an area in Ban Dan Lan Hoy in Sukhothai for the Singapore military, in addition to the existing training ground in Kanchanaburi.

"Allowing Singaporean soldiers to conduct more training in our country is to help a friend," he said.

"It's a mutual interest and we have nothing to lose from this as soldiers from Singaporehave already been carrying out drills in Kanchanaburi for a long time," the defence minister said.

No matter where the Singaporean military will conduct its drills here in

Thailand

, the Thai military has full access to observe its activities, said ACM Sukumpol.

(Bangkok Post)

SBY Janji Perkuat Pertahanan Pulau Nipah

03 Juni 2012

Pulau Nipah yang berdekatan dengan Singapura (image : Bakosurtanal)

BATAM: Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono mengatakan akan memadukan pengembangan Pulau Nipah sebagai gugus depan pertahanan dan daerah kegiatan ekonomi.

Kepala Negara juga sudah menyetujui pembentukan batalion tempur baru yang bermarkas di daerah itu untuk melaksanakan tugas pertahanan dan pengawasan di wilayah pulau terluar.

Hal itu disampaikan Presiden Yudhoyono saat berkunjung ke pulau batas terluar NKRI seluas 62 hektare tersebut hari ini.

Presiden dan rombongan berangkat langsung dari Singapura dengan menggunakan KRI Diponegoro-365 menuju Pulau Nipah, Provinsi Kepulauan Riau, Sabtu (2/6) pukul 16.00 WIB.

Setibanya di Pulau Nipah, SBY dan Ibu Ani disambut Korps Marinir TNI AL dan Satuan Tugas Pengamanan Pulau Nipah, setelah itu melaksanakan peninjauan pulau dan barak Satgas Pulau Terluar Nipah.

Turut mendampingi Kepala Negara, a.l Menkopolhukam Djoko Suyanto, Menhan Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Panglima TNI Agus Suhartono, Kapolri Jenderal Timur Pradopo, Menteri Perikanan dan Kelautan Sharif C. Sutardjo, dan Ketua Komite Ekonomi Nasional Chairul Tanjung.

"Saya setuju dibentuk batalyon baru di sini," kata SBY. Sabtu, 2 Juni 2012.

Saat ini, lanjut Presiden, sudah ada satuan Marinir dan satuan Angkatan Darat dengan komposisi kurang lebih dua pertiga Marinir dan sepertiga Angkatan Darat, yang tentu melaksanakan tugas-tugas pos depan tempur.

SBY menambahkan keberadan batalion baru itu akan bisa turut menjaga keamanan di Selat Malaka dan Selat Singapura di bagian wilayah NKRI.

Hal itu, tuturnya, sekaligus ikut dalam menghadapi kejahatan transnasional bersama-sama dengan Kepolisian dan penegak hukum yang lain.

Terkait pengembangan potensi ekonomi Pulau Nipah, Menteri Kelautan dan Perikanan sudah merencanakan pengembangan ekonomi berbasis perikanan dan kelautan.

Dengan begitu, menurut Presiden, di samping berfungsi sebagai pos depan pertahanan, juga ada kegiatan ekonomi yang menumbuhkan pembangunan di pulau tersebut.

"Mengingat kawasan kita ini Batam, Bintan, Karimun, Singapura, dan Johor adalah kawasan ekonomi dan usaha, kita ingin memanfaatkan letak yang strategis ini untuk kepentingan ekonomi kita," tutur SBY. (ra).

(BisnisIndonesia)

Singapore Army Wants Bigger Camp

01 Juni 2012

Singapore neither admit or deny it has Centurion tanks. The tank is believed to be stored in Thailand (photo : Military Factory)

Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwannarat and his counterpart from Singapore, Ng Eng Hen, on Friday discussed plans to look for a larger training camp for Singaporean soldiers.

ACM Sukumpol said Singapore's Defence Ministry did not want a permanent camp like Sai Yok in Kanchanaburi, where Singaporean soldiers have been training for more than 30 years.

Sources said the Singaporean army wanted to expand the scale of its excercises, for battle tanks and artillery.

The new site might be at Dan Lan Hoi village in Sukhothai, they said.

(Bangkok Post)

Australia Extends Singapore Air Force's Access to Training Facilities

26 April 2012

The RSAF can deploy up to 12 Super Pumas along with 250 personnel and family members as RSAF’s 126Sqn (Training/Support for army exercises) at Oakey Army Aviation Centre. RSAF also deploys 19 × PC-21 (Basic Training) as RSAF’s 130 Sqn at RAAF Base Pearce (photo : abpic)

SINGAPORE: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard indicated on Monday that the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) would be allowed continued access to training facilities in Oakey, Queensland.

She was speaking in Singapore where she is on her first official visit as prime minister.

Earlier in the day, she was given a ceremonial welcome at the Istana.

Also present was Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

After the ceremony, Ms Gillard met Singapore's Acting President J Y Pillay at the Istana.

At an official dinner hosted in her honour, Ms Gillard said that Singapore was a "partner and friend with a capacity to bring pragmatic and far-sighted thinking to regional and global challenges".

"We share defence and strategic interests, underpinned by a commitment to multi-lateralism and regional cooperation," she added.

"Of course, we value our economic links and seek to learn from your example of adaptation and innovation as Australia remakes its economy for the demands of the 'Asian Century'."

Prime Minister Lee, who was in attendance at the dinner, said "Singapore and Australia enjoy a close and long-standing relationship".

"Australia was one of the first countries to recognise Singapore's independence in 1965. For that we will always be grateful," Mr Lee said.

"Since then, our relationship has remained close, underpinned by our shared strategic perspectives and wide-ranging cooperation."

Mr Lee added that defence cooperation is also key to the two countries' relationship.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has been warmly received during training exercises in Rockhampton, Oakey, Pearce and Tamworth in Australia, and had helped in disaster relief efforts during the floods in Queensland last year, he said.

Mr Lee added that Singapore would support Australia's bid for a seat on the UN Security Council in the year 2013-2014.

He also said Singapore shares a commitment with Australia on trade liberalisation, adding that Singapore is the fifth largest investor in Australia, and thanks to the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), economic ties are growing.

Australian investments in Singapore more than doubled between 2005 and 2010, with the number of Australians doing business in Singapore growing about 10 per cent a year.

Singapore gets close to a million Australian tourists annually, while Australia receives more than 300,000 visitors from Singapore each year.

There are more than 20,000 Australians living and working in Singapore and around 50,000 Singaporeans in Australia, including 10,000 students.

Ms Gillard said she hopes to find more ways for the two countries to work together when Mr Lee visits Australia this October.

Earlier in the day, Ms Gillard presented Singaporean businessman Ow Chio Kiat, with the award of "Honorary Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia".

Mr Ow, who is the executive chairman of Stamford Land Corporation, received the award for his service to the development of commercial relations and identifying business opportunities between Australia and Singapore.

Ms Gillard also had an orchid hybrid named after her at the National Orchid Garden.

The Dendrobium Julia Gillard bears dark purple flowers which measure up to 7 centimetres across.

(ChannelNewsAsia)

TNI Bangun Bandara di Perbatasan Malaysia

23 April 2012

Ketiga bandar udara di perbatasan Malaysia akan mampu didarati pesawat Hercules TNI AU (photo : Indoflyer)

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BALIKPAPAN -- Panglima Daerah Militer VI Mulawarman, Mayor Jenderal TNI Subekti, mengatakan pihaknya akan mengerahkan Detasemen Zeni Tempur Kodam VI. Mereka akan dikerahkan untuk membangun dan menambah panjang landasan tiga bandar udara di perbatasan Indonesia-Malaysia di Kalimantan Timur.

"Membangun dan menambah panjang landasan itu agar pesawat Hercules bisa mendarat di bandara-bandara tersebut," kata Subekti, di Balikpapan, Senin.

Ketiga bandara tersebut adalah Bandara Yuvai Semaring di Long Bawan, Krayan, Nunukan, dengan panjang landasan pacu 900 meter lebar 23 meter; Bandara Long Ampung di Kayan Selatan, Malinau dengan panjang landasan 850 meter lebar 23 meter; Bandara Datah Dawai di Long Lunuk, Long Pahangai, Kutai Barat dengan panjang landasan 750 meter lebar 23 meter.

Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) juga akan jadi pengelola ketiga bandara tersebut. Pesawat pengangkut pasukan bersenjata lengkap dan kargo udara Hercules C130 yang kapasitas penuhnya mencapai 70 ton memerlukan panjang landasan 1.093 meter untuk lepas landas maupun mendarat.

"Jadi, landasan yang ada sekarang kami akan perpanjang hingga dua kali lipatnya, hingga minimal 1.600 meter," papar Pangdam Subekti.

Bandara Long Bawan yang sedang dikerjakan saat ini panjang landasannya sudah 1.100 meter dengan lebar 30 meter. Pengembangan bandara di perbatasan ini, menurut Pangdam, sejatinya adalah program Pemerintah Provinsi Kalimantan Timur dengan dukungan anggaran dari APBD Kaltim. Adapun besarnya anggaran, yakni Bandara Long Bawan sebesar Rp 120 miliar, Bandara Long Apung Rp 130 miliar, dan Bandara Datah Dawai Rp 150 miliar.

Ia menjelaskan pelibatan TNI itu karena ketiga bandara juga memiliki posisi strategis pertahanan keamanan. "Bukan kebetulan kami TNI punya prajurit zeni yang selain jago bertempur juga piawai membangun," kata Pangdam.

Selain itu, kata dia, karena kondisi geografis yang sulit dicapai melalui transportasi darat dan harga-harga material yang berkali-kali lipat harga normalnya, pengembangan bandara tersebut kesulitan mendapat kontraktor pengerjaan.

(Republika)

Visits RSAF Fighter Detachment in US

07 April 2012

Under the Peace Carvin programme, the RSAF has an F-15SG fighter detachment (PC V) at the Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB) in IDAHO, has an F-16C/D fighter detachment (PC II) at the Luke Air Force Base, ARIZONA since 1992, also has two training detachments in the US: the Peace Prairie CH-47D Chinook helicopter detachment in Grand Prairie, TEXAS, and the Peace Vanguard AH-64D Apache helicopter detachment in Marana, ARIZONA. (photo : Mindef)

Minister for Defence Visits RSAF F-15SG Fighter Detachment in US

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Peace Carvin (PC) V F-15SG fighter detachment at the Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB) in Idaho today (Singapore time), as part of his introductory visit to the US. The PC V detachment is home to about 180 RSAF personnel comprising pilots, Weapons Systems Officers (Fighter) and ground crew.

Dr Ng, who was accompanied by Commander of the USAF's 366th Fighter Wing Colonel Ronald Buckley and Commander of the RSAF's Fighter Group Colonel Ho Foo Sing, visited detachment facilities and was briefed on its training programme. Dr Ng also interacted with RSAF personnel and their families who were stationed at MHAFB, as well as members of the MHAFB leadership and local community leaders. The RSAF F-15SG detachment was inaugurated in 2009, marking a key milestone in the RSAF's development of its advanced fighter capabilities to deliver more effective air power for the 3rd Generation SAF.

Detachments and training in the US and other overseas locations allow the RSAF to overcome airspace constraints in Singapore. Under the PC programme, the RSAF has an F-16C/D fighter detachment (PC II) at the Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, which was established in 1992. The RSAF also has two other training detachments in the US: the Peace Prairie CH-47D Chinook helicopter detachment in Grand Prairie, Texas, and the Peace Vanguard AH-64D Apache helicopter detachment in Marana, Arizona. These training arrangements enable the SAF to build up its operational capabilities and readiness, and are testament to the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and US.

(Mindef)

Cocos Islands Airfield Not Ready for Spy Drones, Says Stephen Smith

28 Maret 2012

Gobal Hawk - high altitude longrange endurance HALE UAV (photo : DefenseIndustryDaily)

THE Cocos Islands' airfield would require a $75 million-$100 million upgrade before the territory could be used as a base for US drones, says Defence Minister Stephen Smith.

Amid heightened Chinese sensitivities over Australian-US military ties, Mr Smith played down the short-term prospects of using the Cocos Islands - a remote group of coral atolls and islands in the Indian Ocean - as a staging point for US spy flights.

Pentagon planners are considering basing Global Hawk drones and manned surveillance aircraft from the Cocos Islands - about 2750km northwest of Perth - to carry out patrols far out over the northern oceans.

Mr Smith said he and his US counterparts had agreed a “substantial infrastructure upgrade” was required before the Cocos Islands could be considered for use as a joint US-Australian base.

Cocos Island - small island in Hindian Ocean (image : GoogleMaps)

“My memory of the costing of that was somewhere between $75-$100 million. No-one is proposing that occur in the first instance or in the near future,” he said.

Mr Smith said the priorities for the deepened Australian-US military relationship were the deployment of US Marines in Darwin and the bedding down of arrangements for US use of Australian air and naval bases.

HMAS Stirling, in Perth, is reportedly being eyed by the US for use by aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines.

An initial 250 marines will arrive in Darwin in coming days - the first of 2500 to eventually be deployed in the Northern Territory.

Mr Smith said rotational arrangements for the force were being finalised between Australian and US officials.

The Greens said the Cocos Islands must not be used as a base for US drones.

“Surveillance may sound innocent enough to some, but the role of this base will be to make it even easier for the US military to strike and kill at will,” Greens defence spokesman Scott Ludlum said.

“If the past 40 years has taught us anything, it's that we must be wary of being complicit in these misadventures.

He said US attack drones had caused large numbers of civilian deaths.

“Are their spy drones any more reliable in identifying targets?”

(The Australian)

Biak Disiapkan Sebagai Skadron Pesawat Tempur

16 Februari 2012

Skadron tempur Biak diharapkan tahun 2014 dapat terbentuk (photo : gijoe77)

Biak (ANTARA News) - Pangkalan Udara Manuhua STAB di Kabupaten Biak Numfor, Papua dipersiapkan untuk skadron pesawat tempur dalam rangka menunjang tugas operasional Komando Sektor Pertahanan Udara Nasional IV di kawasan Timur Indonesia.

Panglima Komando Sektor Pertahanan Udara Nasional IV Biak Marsekal Pertama TNI Dedy Nita Komara di Biak Kamis mengatakan, untuk pengembangan pengamanan wilayah udara NKRI di kawasan Papua, keberadaan pangkalan udara Manuhua Biak masuk dalam rencana pengembangan sebagai pangkalan skadron pesawat tempur TNI AU.

"Keberadaan bandara Lanud Manuhua Biak sangat strategis dan memenuhi syarat bisa dikembangkan menjadi pangkalan skadron pesawat tempur, ya pada tahun 2014 diharapkan program ini dapat terwujud," ungkap Pangkosek Hanudnas IV Marsma TNI Dedy.

Ia mengakui, untuk idealnya pengembangan pangkalan skadron pesawat tempur di Lanud Manuhua empat flight dengan 12 pesawat tempur.

Dengan kondisi pangkalan udara Manuhua Biak saat ini, lanjut Marsma Dedy, yang sangat luas dan memenuhi syarat paling tidak dapat menampung delapan pesawat tempur TNI AU.

"Jika rencana skadron pesawat tempur TNI AU dibuka di Biak maka akan menunjang operasi Komando Sektor Pertahanan Udara Nasional IV Biak menjaga pengamanan wilayah udara NKRI khususnya di wilayah Papua sekitarnya," ungkap Pangkosek Hanudnas IV Marsma TNI Dedy Nita Komara.

Hingga Kamis siang, tiga pesawat tempur F16 skadron Iswahyudi Madiun, dua Hercules, serta satu helikopter Puma berada di bandara Lanud Manuhua Biak untuk mendukung latihan cakra dan operasi "Tangkis Petir" yang diselenggarakan Kosek Hanudnas IV Biak mulai 16-21 Februari 2012.(M039)

(Antara)

Skadron Udara 16 Dibangun di Lanud Pekanbaru

09 Februari 2012

Pekanbaru, Sumatera (image : GoogleMaps)

Kepala Dinas Pengembangan Operasi TNI AU (Kadisbangopsau), Marsekal Pertama TNI R. Hari Muljono beserta tim survei Mabesau diterima Komandan Lanud Pekanbaru, Kolonel Pnb Bowo Budiarto, S.E beserta para Pejabat dan Komandan Satuan di jajaran Lanud Pekanbaru dalam rangka meninjau lokasi rencana pembangunan Skadron Udara 16 di Lanud Pekanbaru, Rabu (9/2).

Pangkalan TNI AU Pekanbaru yang saat ini hanya terdiri satu Skadron yaitu Skadron Udara 12 yang mengawaki jenis pesawat tempur Hawk 100/200 Skadron Tehnik, kedepan akan di tambah menjadi dua Skadron, yaitu Skadron Udara 16 yang di rencanakan akan mengawaki jenis pesawat tempur F-16 Fighting Falcon dari America Serikat, sehingga dengan adanya dua Skadron tersebut, Lanud Pekanbaru akan ada peningkatan, yang semula tipe B akan menjadi tipe A.

Kedatangan tim survei yang berlangsung selama tiga hari, selain mengunjungi lokasi rencana pembangunan Skadron Udara 16 di Lanud Pekanbaru, juga mengunjungi lapangan tembak, Komplek Rajawali baru, Mes Garuda yang rencana akan ditempati untuk mes remaja, Gedung ACMR dan BMP Lanud Pekanbaru.

(TNI AU)

Smith Forecasts Cocos Islands Joint Military Base

21 November 2011

Cocos Island (image : GoogleMaps)

THE upgrading of defence ties with the US may include the development of joint military facilities on Cocos Islands.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith said yesterday the first priority would be upgrading the HMAS Stirling naval base, near Perth. "In the future, there may well be some possibility or prospect of greater utilisation of Cocos Islands," he said.

Mr Smith told the Ten Network there would have to be a major upgrade of the infrastructure on Cocos Islands, an Australian territory in the Indian Ocean, before they were fit for joint use by the Australian and US forces.

His comments confirm that the steps announced last week, starting with 250 additional US troops visiting Darwin, mark the start of what is likely to be a much wider collaboration. Mr Smith has played down suggestions of China's displeasure with the new military arrangement between Australia and the US, saying the official response has been measured and appropriate.

But a spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liu Weimin, said the move might not be in the interests of countries in the region and questioned the expansion of military ties while global economics were still shaky.

An editorial in China's state-run People's Daily newspaper went further, saying if Australia used its military bases to help the US hurt Chinese interests, "one thing is certain . . . Australia will be caught in the crossfire".

Mr Smith said the media commentary should be divorced from China's official response.

"And the official response has quite frankly been a measured one. It hasn't been over the top."

He said China was against military alliances, but understood Australia's ties with the US.

(The Australian)

Up to 2,500 Marines Could be Based in Australia

17 November 2011

Darwin, Noth Australia (image : GoogleMaps)

CANBERRA, Australia — U.S. military presence in Australia is expanding, with plans underway to deploy about 250 Marines starting next year and lay the groundwork for up to 2,500 over the next several years.

The Air Force and Navy are expected to expand there presence in the region as well.

The agreement was announced Wednesday at a joint news conference with President Obama and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. It is widely viewed as a response to China's growing aggressiveness, although the president insisted that the U.S. does not fear Beijing.

China responded swiftly, warning that an expanded U.S. military footprint in Australia may not be appropriate and deserved greater scrutiny.

Obama called the plan "significant," and said it would build capacity and cooperation between the U.S. and Australia. U.S. officials were careful to emphasize that the pact was not an attempt to create a permanent American military presence in Australia.

The Marines will reportedly be organized as a special purpose Marine air-ground task force and be based at Robertson Barracks in Darwin, an Australian military installation on the country’s northern coast. The buildup to 2,500 personnel, expected to be complete within six years, will require an expansion of the base, but no new installations, according to reports. Its not immediately clear what sort of equipment the Marine Corps will send to Australia, but reports suggest the deployments may last only six months out of the year.

In addition to the Marines, more U.S. aircraft will rotate through Australia as part of an agreement between each nation's air force.

Australian media is reporting that plans call for B-52 bombers, F/A-18 attack aircraft, C-17 transports and aerial refueling tankers to operate out of the Australian air force facility at Tindal, near the town of Katherine. That's about 200 miles southeast of Darwin.

Also, more U.S. ships will transit through the Sterling naval base, south of Perth in western Australia, according to Australian media.

Obama and Gillard said the increased air presence would allow the U.S. and Australia to more effectively respond to respond to natural disasters and humanitarian crises in the region.

During his news conference, the president sidestepped questions about whether the security agreement was aimed at containing China. But he said the U.S. would keep sending a clear message that China needs to accept the responsibilities that come with being a world power.

"It's important for them to play by the rules of the road," he said.

And he insisted that the U.S is not fearful of China's rise.

"I think the notion that we fear China is mistaken. The notion that we're looking to exclude China is mistaken," he said.

China was immediately leery of the prospect of an expanded U.S. military presence in Australia.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said Wednesday that it was worth discussing whether the plan was in line with the common interests of the international community.

Obama national security aide Ben Rhodes said the agreement was not only appropriate, but also a response to the demand from nations in the region that have signaled they want the U.S. to be present.

The U.S. and smaller Asian nations have grown increasingly concerned about China claiming dominion over vast areas of the Pacific that the U.S. considers international waters, and reigniting old territorial disputes, including confrontations over the South China Sea. China's defense spending has increased threefold since the 1990s to about $160 billion last year, and its military has recently tested a new stealth jet fighter and launched its first aircraft carrier.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has said that the goal of the new security pact is to signal that the U.S. and Australia will stick together in face of any threats.

Rhodes said the U.S. military boost would amount to a "sustained U.S. presence." He distinguished that from a permanent presence in the sense that the U.S. forces will use Australian facilities, as opposed to the United States to building its own bases, as it has in such regional places as South Korea. The U.S. has not signaled any interest in that in Australia.

The only American base currently in Australia is the secretive joint Australia-U.S. intelligence and communications complex at Pine Gap in central Australia. But there are hundreds of U.S. service personnel in Australia on exchange.

Air combat units also use the expansive live bombing ranges in Australia's sparsely populated north in training rotations of a few months and occasionally naval units train off the coast. But training exercises involving ground forces are unusual.

(MarineCorpsTimes)

Kemhan akan Membangun Skuadron Udara di Kaltim

20 September 2011

Pesawat F-16 TNI AU (photo : Aus DoD)

KEMENTERIAN Pertahanan mencanangkan untuk membangun sedikitnya tiga skuadron udara baru menyusul akan ada penambahan pesawat tempur dalam jumlah besar.

Salah satu daerah yang diproyeksikan adalah di wilayah Kalimantan Timur. Saat ini Kemhan telah menjalin kerja sama dengan Pemerintah Provinsi Kalimantan Timur untuk mendukung program tersebut serta sejumlah perencanaan lain menyangkut penguatan pertahanan di perbatasan. Nota kerja sama ditandatangani antara Sekjen Kemhan Marsekal Madya (Marsdya) TNI Erris Heryanto dan Gubernur Kalimantan Timur Awang Faroek Ishak di Kantor Kemhan, Jakarta, kemarin. Menteri Pertahanan Purnomo Yusgiantoro mengatakan, besar kemungkinan akan dibangun satu skuadron udara di wilayah Kalimantan Timur. Saat ini Indonesia telah memiliki skuadron Hawk di Pekan Baru dan Kalimantan Barat, Sukhoi di Makassar,dan F-16 di Madiun.“Kita akan punya baby F-16 yaitu T-50 Golden Eagle dari Korea Selatan, kemudian Super Tucano untuk counter insurgency.

Ini akan kita tata karena memang salah satu flash point yang kita waspadai adalah daerah perbatasan,” ungkapnya seusai penandatanganan nota kerja sama kemarin. Meskipun akan fokus di daerah perbatasan, skuadron itu tidak akan berada pada jarak yang terlalu dekat dengan negara lain.“Kalau terlalu dekat juga tidak baik.Tapi,kita bisa menjangkau dengan cepat.

Seperti tadi di lapangan terbang yang terletak di tengah antara Kalimantan Barat dengan Kalimantan Timur yang setiap saat bisa dipakai tidak hanya pesawat tempur, tapi juga pesawat transportasi untuk pembangunan infrastruktur,” urainya. Purnomo mengaku telah memperhitungkan berapa jumlah skuadron udara yang akan dibangun dan di mana saja lokasinya. Namun, mantan Menteri ESDM ini enggan untuk menerangkan secara lebih detail.“Tidak pas untuk disebutkan di sini.

Cukup banyak, lebih dari tiga skuadron,” kata dia. Gubernur Awang Faroek mengungkapkan, pihaknya siap dan merasa wajib untuk membantu penguatan pertahanan di Kalimantan Timur karena wilayah ini berbatasan langsung dengan negara lain, Malaysia. Ada tiga kabupaten dengan total 15 kecamatan di provinsi tersebut yang berbatasan dengan luar negeri.

“Panjang perbatasan 1.038 kilo meter. Sudah menjadi tekad kita bersama daerah perbatasan itu menjadi beranda NKRI.Namanya beranda, harus dibuat bagus,” katanya. Awang menyebut ada tiga landasan yang dibenahi agar bisa digunakan untuk mendaratkan pesawat dengan ukuran besar seperti Hercules milik TNI. Landasan itu juga diharapkan bisa mencapai panjang 2.500-3.000 meter agar dapat dijadikan landasan bagi pesawat tempur TNI Angkatan Udara.

“Dana untuk tiga landasan itu lebih dari Rp40 miliar di Kerayan, Rp8 miliar di Long Nawan, dan nilai serupa di Datah Dawai,”ungkap dia. Selain untuk mendukung pesawat-pesawat milik TNI Angkatan Udara, landasan itu juga diharapkan dapat mendorong laju pertumbuhan ekonomi wilayah setempat. Selama ini minimnya infrastruktur membuat harga-harga di sana melambung tinggi dan banyak komoditi yang akhirnya dijual ke Malaysia karena akses ke negeri jiran itu lebih baik.

“Jadi, arus barang dan jasa bisa semakin baik. Proses sudah dimulai tahun ini kita sudah anggarkan melalui APBD dan usulkan ada TMMD (tentara manunggal membangun desa) berskala besar,”paparnya. Selain landasan, Pemprov Kalimantan Timur juga akan membeli sejumlah helikopter yang akan dihibahkan bagi TNI.

"Untuk helikopter saja dananya Rp120 miliar. Jenis helikopter yang dibeli kita sesuaikan dengan standar kepentingan TNI.Tim sudah memilih Heli Bell-412 sesuai standar TNI.Kebetulan TNI juga pesan helikopter sejenis,”urai Awang.

(Seputar Indonesia)

Plans to Improve Air Base in Palawan Underway

30 Agustus 2011

Nomad of the PAF (photo : Reuters)

ISABELA CITY, Basilan — As part of the development program being pushed to improve the capabilities of the Armed Forces’ services in the province of Palawan, the planning team from the 570th Composite Tactical Wing (CTW) sat down with its counterpart from the Western Command (WESCOM) and the Naval Forces West (NFW) to map out the development of the air base in Palawan.

In a press release, the 6th Civil Relations Group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines reveals that a two-day conference was held last August 18 and 19 to formulate the Master Development Plan of Antonio Bautista Air Base (ABAB).

ABAB is one of the nine air bases eyed for the priority development programs of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Maximizing the use of its land resources is the primary objective of coming up with a Master Development Plan for ABAB. The lay-outs of the land areas of both WESCOM and NFW were integrated inconceptualizing the plan since the two are adjacent to ABAB.

As the three military headquarters share some common needs, the planners aim to come up with a strategic design that would serve as a basis for deciding where to put up a facility, like a hospital for instance, that is most convenient and accessible to all.

Equally important is that conceptualizing the Master Development Plan would allow the planners todecide what project is most suited to a certain land area so as to maximize its utilization.

Experts have been consulted in formulating the conceptual plan for ABAB. For instance, with the help of an environmentalist, the effect of a certain project on the natural environment has been assessed and taken into consideration.

Should the National Headquarters approve the plan and the National Government provide the fund for its implementation right after, it would not only translate to an improved headquarters’ lay-out, but it would also mean better services for the people.

(Zamboanga Times)

JRCC Op Pasir Sabah Telah Dilengkapi UAV

03 Agustus 2011

Op Pasir (Operasi Pandanan dan Sipadan Island Resort) dilengkapi dengan UAV taktis Aludra dan Fulmar (photo : Cari)

Op Pasir bukti kecekapan ATM jaga perairan negara

SUASANA di dalam bilik rahsia yang menempatkan Pusat Kawalan dan Sistem Pengawasan (JRCC) Op Pasir, tiba-tiba bertukar 'wajah' apabila operator memaklumkan radar milik Angkatan Tentera Bersama (ATB) mengesan sebuah bot mencurigakan memasuki perairan Pantai Timur Sabah.

Arahan kemudian dikeluarkan agar pesawat tanpa juruterbang (UAV) Aludra MK II, yang ketika itu sedang membuat rondaan rutin di sekitar perairan Sabah, dikejar ke lokasi kejadian bagi mengenal pasti 'identiti' sebenar bot 'penceroboh', dengan hanya memasukkan koordinat lokasi 'suspek' dari pusat kawalan.

Sebaik koordinat diterima, Aludra terus terbang menuju ke sasaran. Pada masa yang sama, arahan juga dikeluarkan agar bot tempur dan kapal peronda ATB serta sebuah helikopter Nuri yang sepanjang masa berada dalam siap siaga di Lapangan Terbang Tawau, supaya bersedia untuk bertindak jika keadaan memerlukan.

Dua minit kemudian, imej pertama bot 'penceroboh' berjaya dirakam menggunakan kamera beresolusi tinggi Aludra dan imej tersebut dipaparkan secara langsung di monitor JRCC tetapi disebabkan keadaan awan yang tebal, imej menjadi kurang jelas, memaksa dua bot tempur ATB diarah memintas bot 'penceroboh' itu.

Akhirnya dalam masa kurang tujuh minit sebaik sahaja bot 'penceroboh' dikesan memasuki perairan Pantai Timur Sabah, 'suspek' berjaya dipintas dan siasatan mendapati bot itu sebenarnya milik nelayan tempatan, bukannya musuh yang berniat mahu mencabuli kedaulatan perairan negara.

Dengan serta-merta, skuad bot pemintas yang pada mulanya meluncur laju diiringi 'mood' perang menukar perwatakan kerana program jiwa murni dengan bertanya khabar kepada kumpulan nelayan tempatan itu sebelum kembali semula ke pangkalan yang terletak di Samporna.

UAV Fulmar dengan pelontar/catapult (photo : standupper)

Demikian senario kecekapan dan kemampuan Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) dalam mengawal perairan negara khususnya di Pantai Timur Sabah sejak Op Pasir (Operasi Pandanan dan Sipadan Island Resort) dilancarkan 11 tahun lalu, selepas terjadinya insiden penculikan oleh kumpulan Abu Sayyaf.

Demonstrasi tersebut khususnya mengenai kewujudan JRCC, yang sebelum ini diklasifikasikan sebagai sulit buat pertama kalinya didedahkan kepada media, sempena lawatan Menteri Pertahanan, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi bersama pengarang kanan ke kawasan operasi Op Pasir di Sabah baru-baru ini.

Lebih menarik, pada ketika semua mata petugas media terarah pada monitor besar yang menunjukkan 'bot penceroboh', di sebuah monitor lain pula terpapar imej kapal perang Indonesia, yang berada di sekitar perairan Ambalat dan ini menunjukkan, setiap inci perairan negara sentiasa diawasi pihak keselamatan.

Ia sekali gus menyuntik keyakinan kepada seluruh warga media yang mengikuti rombongan tersebut bahawa angkatan bersenjata negara ini bukan sahaja memiliki disiplin dan kecekapan yang tinggi, tetapi pelbagai aset canggih sebenarnya telah ditempatkan di perairan Pantai Timur Sabah, secara 'diam-diam' oleh pihak berkuasa.

Antara peralatan terbaru ialah penempatan 12 buah radar di sepanjang 'laluan panas' dengan kemampuan mengesan sebarang pergerakan kapal mahu pun bot kecil, pada jarak 100 kilometer (km) selain penggunaan dua buah UAV ciptaan syarikat pertahanan tempatan iaitu dari Aludra dan Fulmar.

Pada masa yang sama, sesuai dengan skop Angkatan Tentera Bersama, sebarang operasi Op Pasir disokong oleh aset-aset tempur milik Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM), Tentera Darat, Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) serta Pasukan Khas Laut (Paskal) yang diiktiraf sebagai antara pasukan khas terbaik di dunia.

Kesemua aset tersebut kemudian diatur gerak dari sebuah bilik rahsia yang menempatkan JRCC dan selaku 'otak' kepada keseluruhan operasi Op Pasir, JRCC dibangunkan hasil kombinasi antara teknologi ciptaan syarikat perisian pertahanan tempatan, System Consultancy Services (SCS) dengan teknologi Amerika Syarikat.

Dalam pada itu, walaupun Op Pasir diwujudkan bagi tujuan menangani ancaman kumpulan Abu Sayyaf tetapi sebenarnya ia lebih bersifat serampang dua mata, khususnya ketika banyak negara menjangka konflik bersenjata bakal meletus di Laut China Selatan ekoran, masalah tuntutan bertindih di kepulauan Spratly.

Jadi, selaku salah sebuah negara yang turut menuntut hak di kepulauan itu, Malaysia tidak ketinggalan membuat segala persiapan terutama dari segi ketenteraan, memandangkan iklim di Spratly ketika ini begitu panas, ekoran sikap agresif yang ditunjuk China. Medan terbaik ialah mempersiapkan diri adalah melalui Op Pasir.

Maka tidak hairanlah apabila Ahmad Zahid sendiri memberitahu bahawa Kementerian Pertahanan bersedia memperluaskan kawasan operasi Op Pasir serta keupayaan Markas Angkatan Bersama (MAB), bagi meningkatkan lagi keselamatan kawasan Zon Ekonomi Eksklusif (ZEE) negara di perairan Laut China Selatan.

"Tanggungjawab lebih luas akan diberi kepada MAB. Buat masa ini kawasan di bawah kawal selia MAB meliputi 22 pulau dan 11 kawasan pesisiran pantai sepanjang 1,577 kilometer dari Tawau hingga Kudat. MAB akan dipertanggungjawab untuk memperluaskan operasi ke Laut China Selatan selepas ini.

"Ini kerana terdapat kemungkinan perairan Laut China Selatan bakal menyaksi meletusnya konflik bersenjata ekoran tuntutan bertindih dalam tempoh lima hingga 10 tahun akan datang jika masalah di kepulauan Spratly gagal ditangani dengan bijak oleh semua negara yang terlibat," katanya.

(Utusan)

Lanal Morotai Siap Diresmikan

18 Juli 2011

Morotai, Maluku Utara (image : GoogleMaps)

Komandan Lantamal IX Meninjau Kesiapan Peresmian Lanal Morotai

Dalam rangka pelaksanaan peresmian Pangkalan TNI Angkatan Laut (Lanal) Morotai. Komandan Lantamal IX Laksamana Pertama TNI Rahardjo Dwi Prihanggono, SH melaksanakan kunjungan kerja ke Pulau Morotai dengan menggunakan Cassa TNI AL U-623. Tahun 2012 Pulau Morotai akan dijadikan tempat pelaksanaan acara Sail Morotai, sehingga membutuhkan kesiapan serta adanya Lanal agar dapat mendukung setiap pelaksanaan Sail Morotai yang dilaksanakan. Pada kunjungan tersebut Komandan Lantamal IX didampingi oleh Asrena Danlantamal IX Kolonel Laut (S) Ida Bagus Rahyudodiputra, S.E, Asintel Danlantamal IX Kolonel Laut (T) Putu Juli Adnyana, Asops Danlantamal IX Kolonel Laut (P) Nanang Eko Ismurdianto dan Kadisfaslan Lantamal IX Mayor Laut (T) Ir. Marten Pendi.

Kunjungan Komandan Lantamal IX ke Morotai, diterima pertamakali di Bandara Udara Sultan Babullah Ternate oleh Komandan Lanal Ternate Kolonel Laut (P) Untung Sukoco. Di Ternate rombongan disambut oleh Kapolda Maluku Utara Brigjen Erlan Lukman Nulhakim, Walikota Ternate Hj. Burhan, Danrem 152 Babullah Kolonel Inf Widagdo dan Kabinda Maluku Utara Kolonel Laut (T) Joko. Selanjutnya rombongan berangkat menuju Pulau Morotai dengan menggunakan Cassa TNI AL U-623.

Dalam kunjungan Komandan Lantamal IX di P. Morotai disambut oleh Bupati P. Morotai Sukemi Sahab, Danlanud Morotai Mayor Pnb Sadewa serta Muspida. Dengan didampingi Bupati, Komandan Lantamal IX kemudian melaksanakan peninjauan lokasi yang rencananya akan di bangun Lanal Morotai di Desa Juanga Kab. P. Morotai. Lanal Morotai nantinya akan membawahi Pos Angkatan Laut seperti Posal Bere-bere, Posal Posi-posi dan Posal Rao. Peresmian Lanal Morotai nantinya akan diresmikan oleh Pangarmatim. Pada kesempatan tersebut Komandan Lantamal IX sempat mengambil kesempatan untuk menggendarai Cassa TNI AL U-623 yang mulai dioperasikan oleh TNI AL mulai tanggal 05 Oktober 2001.

(Koarmatim)

Sg Besi Airbase to Close by Year-End

14 Juli 2011

Sungai Besi airbase (photo : euveng)

KUALA LUMPUR: All flights to and from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base in Sungai Besi are expected to cease by year-end.

The government notified the Defence Ministry about contractor IMDB moving in and organising development works for the base and the surrounding area.RMAF chief Gen Tan Sri Rodzali Daud said it had been notified to move its air operations out of the base, popularly known as Sempang among aviators, to the RMAF base in Subang and other facilities, pending the development of a new base in Sendayan, Negri Sembilan, next year.

Rodzali said: "We have been told to plan for the relocation as early as Nov 30.

"In fact, we have moved all our fixed-wing (airplane) operations to Subang and other bases. "The remaining rotary-wing (helicopter) operations, involving the 10 Squadron, will move to Subang."

The Department of Civil Aviation will close the airspace above the base and its surroundings, making the runway redundant.Rodzali said: "As of now, there are no more fixed-wing flights at the Sungai Besi base, except the light aircraft of the Royal Selangor Flying Club and the helicopter operations of the Royal Malaysian Police's Air Unit."He said this after presenting excellent service certificates to 224 of the 1,074 officers and men from air force facilities in the Klang Valley at the Sungai Besi base yesterday.

Police may move their operations to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang. IMDB will set up a project development centre once the runway is completely closed .It is the prime contractor of a consortium, which includes the Armed Forces Superannuation Fund, that will develop the 160ha base, surrounded by the Sungai Besi Highway, Taman Seputeh and Istana Negara, into the multi-billion ringgit upscale Bandar Malaysia project.Other facilities at the base include the RMAF's logistics headquarters and No. 1 Air Division, bunkered-air defence operations centre, an army artillery unit, an equestrian club, a shooting range, RMAF Museum, Institute of Aviation Medicine and quarters for senior officers.

(News Straits Times)

Airforce HQ in Negros Soon

25 Juni 2011

Negros Occidental, Philippines (image : GoogleMaps)

The Philippine Air Force will soon set up its regional tactical operation group headquarters at the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Negros Occidental.

The PAF in the Western Visayas presently has its Tactical Operation Group-6 headquarters in Iloilo.

The establishment of the Air Force TOG-6 headquarters at the Bacolod-Silay Airport was endorsed by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., who requested for approval and authority from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to sign the memorandum of agreement by and between the province of Negros Occidental and the PAF.

The TOG-6 headquarters will house PAF air assets, such as helicopter gunship, war and cargo air transport planes. The Air Force headquarters in Region 6 was proposed to be transferred from Iloilo to Negros Occidental during the stint of retired General Victor Ibrado, then commander of the AFP Central Command.

The proposed MOA stipulated that the provincial government will acquire four hectares of land within or near the vicinity of the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Brgy. Bagtic, Silay City, while the PAF will undertake the development of the area, construction and maintenance of structures, and facilities.

The MOA also states that the PAF will give Negros Occidental priority in extending assistance, or preference to the needs of the province in times of emergency, calamity and similar circumstances, when its services may be needed.

The establishment of an Air Force headquarters at the Bacolod-Silay Airport was welcomed by military officials in Negros island, who have to request for air support, either from Cebu or Iloilo in times of emergency crisis and tactical operations against lawless groups.*GPB

(The Visayan Daily Star)

PH Navy Eyes Upgrade of Station in Palawan

20 Juni 2011

Hulugan, Palawan - West Philippines (image : Google Maps)

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Navy is mulling the possible upgrade of its naval station in Hulugan Bay in Palawan.
(PhilStar)

Speaking on ANC's "The Rundown," Commodore Edgardo Tamayo, chief of the Naval Forces West based in Palawan said, given its strategic and practical location, the area could be made the new base for the Navy's operations.

Navy officials recently visited Hulugan Bay to assess operations on the Western front.

New naval base?

"Hulugan is on the Western front, facing the Kalayaan Island groups or Spratlys. From the Reed Bank, that's only 450 nautical miles, 200 from Pag-asa. It's within our economic zone. You can save a lot if Hulugan will be a staging point or area of operation," Tamayo said.

"That could serve as headquarters for the naval forces because of the strategic value of it. That would be good for the Navy and Palawan. On the Western front, there is a strong need for naval presence," he added.

The plan comes amid growing tension over the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea.

Stiffer penalties for poachers

Meantime, Tamayo believes that there should be stiffer penalties for those caught poaching in Philippine waters, as penalties under the current Fisheries Code are not enough.

"There is an urgent need to amend Republic Act 8550, the Fisheries Code of 1998 to make poaching and violation of Section 87 of Republic Act (R.A.) 9147, The Wildlife Resources and Protection Act of 2001, a non-bailable offense, and to increase the fines for these violations. The penalty under the provision Section 97 of R.A. 8550 (taking or gathering of endangered species) is $100,000 to make it $500,000 to make it a deterrent."

On Thursday, Tamayo said they received an order from the provincial prosecutor to commit to jail the 122 Vietnamese who were earlier apprehended for poaching in the waters off Palawan. A medical check-up was scheduled on Friday as part of standard operating procedure.

The Vietnamese poachers were placed in the custody of the Navy immediately after apprehension. They are awaiting inquest proceedings. The fiscal's office is expected to rule Friday if there is probable cause to file a case against them.

"The 122 of them will have to face the fiscal. While waiting, we have no facility wherein these alleged poachers can be placed. They were placed in our custody on both ships."

In March this year, the Navy Forces West, together with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine National Police Maritime, and the local government of Balaoac, apprehended 6 alleged Chinese poachers. The 6 were committed to jail after the filing of charges.

The Navy admitted it is making do with limited resources for their maritime operations. These include 10 floating assets, counting in 3 which, Tamayo said, are committed to Task Force Malampaya in El Nido, Palawan.

(PhilStar)

Garden Island Naval Facilities in Sydney Harbour Could be Open to Civilian Use

17 Juni 2011

Garden Island naval base, Sidney (photo : The Daily Telegraph)

THE Australian Navy could open its main Sydney naval base to civilian use, with cruise ships potentially able to dock at Garden Island.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith and Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare announced a review into civilian use of Garden Island by former Defence Department secretary Allan Hawke today.

The Navy will also spend more than $3 billion on 24 Seahawk "Romeo" combat helicopters, replacing 16 ageing earlier Seahawk helicopters.

In a sweeping set of announcements, the final $35 million payment on the $100 million Largs Bay amphibious craft purchased from the UK, the signing of a $133 million contract to buy 101 Bushmaster vehicles and the roll out of additional C-RAM early warning rocket systems to Australian forward operating bases in Afghanistan were all also announced.

The new Seahawk helicopters, which will be purchased off the shelf, were selected ahead of the NATO Helicopter Industries NH90 NFH which would have been built by Australian Aerospace.

Mr Smith said the Seahawk's proven capability with the US Navy had been decisive factor, as well as its interoperability with the US Navy.

"The Romeo is a proven capability currently operated by the United States Navy. The United States Navy has accepted around 100 Romeos which have accumulated 90,000 flying hours, including on operational deployments," Mr Smith said.

"Because of its proven capability it's low risk and also we very strongly believe it is value for money," he said.

Mr Clare said the helicopters would be based at HMAS Albatross in Nowra and would operate from the back of ANZAC frigates as well as the new air warfare destroyers.

"Their job is to hunt and kill submarines they also will play an important role in attacking small and fast moving water craft," he said.

"And like the our Seahawk helicopters that operate off our frigates now in the middle east and the coast of Africa they will playa very important role when it comes to anti piracy and counter-terrorist activities."

"This is a big and important decision. It's worth more than $3 billion and worth even more than that to Australia security."

On the review of civilian access to the Garden Island naval base, Mr Smith said he had appointed Mr Hawke to conduct the review following his successful review of the future use of the Woomera protected area.

"Our on-going primary obligation and capacity has to be of course for navy and military arrangements," he said.

But Mr Smith struck a note of caution on the prospect of cruise ships gaining access to the naval facility with the arrival of the Largs Bay, two landing helicopter docks that are larger than Australia largest aircraft carrier and two air warfare destroyers.

"There are considerable constraints on Garden Island but I want that independent review to be conducted," he said.

The deal with Sikorsky Lockheed Martin comes three years after then-Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon dropped Australia's $1 billion commitment to the Seasprite project and 15 months after the tender process began.

The Seahawk helicopters will begin entering service with the Navy from mid-2014 and the roll out will finish in 2020.

A review into the civilian access to air force airfields was also announced, with the civil aviation industry invited to comment on that review by the October 31.

"We want to see if it's possible to provide greater access to about a dozen or so of our airfields," Mr Smith said.

"Again, the starting point has to be that our air force airfields are of course for air force and defence purposes but we are waiting to see if greater sensible access to airfields is appropriate."

(The Australian)

Sungai Besi Base to be Relocated to Sendayan

30 Mei 2011

Sendayan, Negri Sembilan (image : NST)

GEMAS: The Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, will be relocated to Sendayan in Negri Sembilan.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who made the announcement yesterday, declined to elaborate but said that further details on the relocation would be given later.

Sendayan is about 15km from Seremban. There had been plans for the site to be made a Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) for AirAsia, but the plans were shelved.

Najib was speaking to reporters after launching the Community Rehabilitation Centre in Kem Syed Sirajuddin here.

Air Force chief Tan Sri Rodzali Daud had earlier said the air force was prepared to relocate if the government wanted to turn the Sungai Besi base into a commercial hub.

He said if instructed to move, all assets, including the headquarters and aircraft which were at the base, would be moved to the Subang Air Force base, or any other suitable location.

"We have no objections, but hope the relocation will provide us with better and modern infrastructure."

The Sungai Besi air force base was the first airport in the country to be given international status on Aug 1, 1956, by the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, the nation's first prime minister.

Earlier in his speech, Najib said the government would enter into more "unique partnerships" in future with the aim of reducing manpower and costs, as well as maximising the use of existing assets to generate income.

He said it was time for the government to think creatively and find solutions for social, economical and political problems.

"We cannot think conventionally anymore. If in the past we wanted to reduce the crime rate, we would have immediately asked for an additional budget, increased manpower and more prisons.

"However, now under the Blue Ocean Strategy way of thinking, we need to find ways to reduce crime using the lowest budget possible. This is what we are doing today with our community rehabilitation centres being set up in army camps."

Najib said the cost of rehabilitating 300 prisoners at the camp was only RM7 million a year compared with caring for 400 prisoners in a jail which cost about RM50 million a year.

"The community rehabilitation centres are a clear example of how successful a 'unique partnership' can be. To make these centres work, the Home, Defence and Agriculture and Agro-based Industry ministries have to work together."

Najib said phase two of the programme would be extended to the rehabilitation of drug addicts and would involve the National Anti-Drug Agency.

The community rehabilitation centre at Kem Syed Sirajuddin is the second after the prime minister launched the first one at Kem Mahkota Kluang in Johor on March 26.

"During my walk around the camp, I spoke to six prisoners and their families and they were all thankful to the government for coming up with such a programme.

"Here, they are able to see their families regularly, learn new skills and even earn up to RM200 per month, compared with about RM30 per month in jail.

"He said the government would discuss with Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga (Tekun) on the possibility of giving these prisoners a small loan to venture into the agriculture sector on their release.

Three other community rehabilitation centres would be set up in Kem Desa Pahlawan, Kelantan; Kem Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, Alor Star; and Kem Batu 10, 4th mechanised brigade, Kuantan, Pahang.

In Muar, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera and 1Malaysia Development Bhd were the developers of the new RMAF base in Sendayan.

"Once the Sendayan base is completed, the developers will turn the Sungai Besi base into a commercial hub, which will include low-cost housing for the lower-income group," Zahid told the media after officiating the Bakri Umno division meeting here yesterday. Also present was Bakri Umno chief Datuk Saipol Bahri Suib.

He said the developers would build all the facilities at the new base, which is as big as the Sungai Besi base, including the runway, control tower and hangars.

"We will only move into the new base once all the facilities and equipment are in place. The moving process is expected to take 60 months to complete," said Zahid.

Asked if the ministry had a deadline for the developers to complete the new base, he said the ministry had a timeline but declined to elaborate.

(New Straits Times)

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