Members of the United States Air Force and the Indonesian National Armed Forces Air Force conducted the Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) Teak Iron Exercise at Soewondo Airbase in Medan, North Sumatra. The exercise, held from June 9-20, 2025, commenced with an opening ceremony at the 469th Command Battalion Hall. Kristy Mordhorst, Acting Principal Officer from the U.S. Consulate in Medan, attended the event.
This annual bilateral exercise involved personnel from the 353rd Special Operations Wing of the U.S. Military and around 30 members from Satbravo 90, a Quick Reaction Forces Command under Indonesia's Air Force Special Forces (Kopasgat). The training aims to enhance interoperability and build mutual capabilities between the two nations.
The focus areas for Teak Iron JCET 2025 included special reconnaissance, advanced marksmanship, long-range shooting, and mass casualty response training.
“This is a remarkable opportunity—not only to train together and strengthen our tactical skills but to learn from one another, to grow together, and to deepen the friendship between our two nations,” said the U.S. mission commander. “It’s a chance to build trust, mutual respect, and a lasting partnership.”
Colonel Rully Arifian, Commander of Satbravo 90 Kopasgat stated: “I extend a warm welcome to the delegation from the United States Air Force Special Operations Command… [whose] presence is a true reflection of our shared commitment to strengthening defense cooperation and interoperability.” He further noted that “the JCET Teak Iron 2025 Exercise holds significant strategic value… and serves as a platform for exchanging knowledge, experience, and the latest doctrines in special operations.”
The JCET Teak Iron 2025 Exercise highlights strong U.S.-Indonesia defense relations and demonstrates their commitment to maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.