On 21 February 2015, the first batch of the Indonesian Infantry Battalion composed of 268 personnel arrived in El Geneina, West Darfur, to join the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

This is part of the 800 military personnel expected to boost the strength of the Mission and to assist in the implementation of its mandate.

“We are here to assist in the protection of civilian, facilitate and support the delivery of humanitarian assistance and safety of humanitarian workers,” said Lt Col Mohammed Harry Subagyo, Commanding Officer of the Indonesian infantry battalion.

In addition, 257 men and women comprising of a support company, military police component and rapid response unit are expected to arrive in the coming days.

Currently Indonesia is already contributing to UNAMID a formed police unit (FPU), composed of 140 personnel, deployed in El Fasher, North Darfur