From the current president to serving generals, the Junior Officers Combat Instructor Training-Indonesia (JOCIT-I) program continues to develop hand-selected commissioned and non-commissioned officers from the Indonesian Army – Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI-AD), in conjunction with the Australian Army.

One Australian instructor, Corporal S, of Australia’s Special Operations Command, instructed one of Indonesia’s most prominent leaders.

“When I was an instructor on JOCIT-I in the 1990s, one of the trainees was Prabowo Subianto, who is now the President of the Republic of Indonesia,” Corporal S said.

JOCIT-I is more than just a training course, developing elite prospects from the TNI to enhance their combat and leadership development.

Army members from across Australia work together to ensure the TNI personnel are exposed to collective experience, training and knowledge from a wide variety of units.

Australian Army linguist instructor Captain Hope O’Leary oversaw lessons, such as Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), tracking, section and platoon tactics, techniques and procedures, as well as train the trainer instruction.

“Aside from the practical lessons, we do physical training together and eat every meal as a group, which has built a really special relationship with our partner nation,” Captain O’Leary said.

The TNI students, such as Lieutenant Colonel Junior Gedion, acknowledged the relationship and the bonds forged throughout the course.

“We are very appreciative of the support the Australian Army has given us, strengthening our personnel in tactics from their country,” Lieutenant Colonel Gedion said.

'We have our own way of operating in a tactical situation, but these lessons help us build on our existing tactics.'

Australian contingent commander Major Chris Wetherell was supportive of the activity strengthening relationships.

“An exercise like JOCIT-I enhances the interoperability between the nations, building on our long-standing partnership,” Major Wetherell said.

“The course is often overlooked, but it’s a really significant and proud course for personnel from the TNI to participate in.”

During the course, trainees gain an understanding of the way the Australian Army conducts its drills.

Trainees from the TNI attending the course, such as 2nd Sergeant Francs, echoed their support for the activity.

“We have our own way of operating in a tactical situation, but these lessons help us build on our existing tactics,” 2nd Sergeant Francs said.

JOCIT-I forms part of the long-standing defence cooperation program between Australia and Indonesia, strengthening professional relationships and regional security cooperation.  

A reciprocal JOCIT course will take place in Australia later this year hosted by the Australian Army Combat Training Centre.