By Li Lijun and Duan Jiangshan
Chinese and Indonesian ground troops participate in the drill. (Photo by Ma Zhicong)
JAKARTA, Dec. 6 -- On Thursday, local time, the troops participating in the China-Indonesia Peace (Heping) Garuda-2024 joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise conducted the "joint natural disaster relief" live drills in land, sea, and air domains at several training grounds of the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI), with the aim to promote the joint HADR operational capabilities of the two militaries.
At around 8:00 a.m., the airborne troops from both sides, organized in mixed teams, boarded two Indonesian military transport aircraft and maneuvered from Halim Airport in Jakarta to the airspace above the Gorda airborne drop zone in Banten Province. Upon reaching the designated airspace, the airborne troops from both sides carried out parachute jump as ordered, landing accurately at the predetermined area and quickly completing assembly. Subsequently, the two sides carried out drills involving the airdrop of medium-sized supplies, as well as emergency treatment and evacuation of casualties.
At the same time, the participating ground troops from both sides, also working in mixed teams, conducted a "jungle disaster relief" drill at a special operation force training ground of the TNI army. The soldiers from both sides worked together to set up a field hospital, deployed drones to survey the disaster area, and used life detectors to search for survivors. They successfully completed drills in efficient search and rescue, emergency treatment, and rapid evacuation.
At the Banten Naval Base, the participating naval troops from both sides organized a maritime search and rescue exercise. They operated inflatable boats and rescue boards to rapidly maneuver toward the simulated drowning victims. Upon reaching the designated location, the participants worked together to rescue the "drowning victims", transferring them onto the inflatable boats and safely evacuating them to shore.
Representatives from the Chinese and Indonesian militaries observed the drills at the Gorda airborne drop zone. "The strengthening of defense cooperation between China and Indonesia will further bolster the peace efforts in this region. We look forward to holding joint exercises next year at a higher level with more subjects and on a larger scale," said an Indonesian military representative.
