Batam marine HQ opens despite opposition

New base will hopefully fight piracy in region.

Batam marine HQ opens despite opposition

After being in limbo for some time reportedly due to opposition by Singapore, the Marine Corps’ 10th Infantry Battalion headquarters on Setokok Island, Batam, Riau Islands, is now operational.

“President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono inaugurated [the battalion headquarters] during his visit to the Military Academy in Magelang [Central Java] on Oct. 17. The inauguration was not conducted at the actual headquarters,” The battalion commander Lt. Col. Kresno Pratowo told The Jakarta Post.

Kresno added that the Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Marsetio would officially open the battalion headquarters on Setokok Island on Nov. 10 as part of the commemoration of National Heroes Day.

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Source: thejakartapost.com