M’sia, Indonesia hold military exercise in Tawau

Hashim (second left) with Danan (right) at the launching of Kekar Malindo in Tawau.

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia and Indonesia are holding a joint military exercise aimed at enhancing the capabilities as well as understanding between both nations’ armies in Sabah’s east coast Tawau district.

The nine-day Keris Kartika Malaysia-Indonesia exercise, or Kekar Malindo, which commenced yesterday, will involve over 600 officers and personnel from both armed forces.

Commander of the 13th Malaysian Infantry Brigade, Brigadier-General Hashim Osman, said the exercise is targeted at improving the armed forces of both countries under conventional offensive warfare.

“This bilateral exercise will undoubtedly increase the competence levels of the officers and personnel in tactical aspects,” he said when launching the Kekar Malindo exercise series 46 AB/2023 at the 126th Royal Malay Army Regiment field at the Kukusan Camp yesterday.

“Support from the Fifth Division, such as armour, technicians and field artillery, will also be involved in the exercise,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Danan Wisnubrata of the 613 Raja Alam Infantry Battalion Commander in Tarakan, Indonesia, said the exercise has strategic value for the Malaysian and Indonesian militaries.