Labuan Bajo (ANTARA) - Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Commander Admiral Yudo Margono stated that the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, had beeh held securely and smoothly.

"In charge of the security of the 42nd ASEAN Summit, I would like to extend my gratitude to all ranks (in the security forces) for their synergy with all elements for the success of the event by ensuring its security and smooth running," Admiral Margono remarked at the Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, on Friday.

The series of events on the occasion of the ASEAN Summit had been held on May 8-11, 2023. The events commenced with the arrivals of delegates and heads of states and proceeded to bilateral meetings, side activity aboard a pinisi boat, gala dinner, main event, and concluded with departures of the delegates and state heads.

Margono affirmed that the event was declared successful, given the non-existence of any threats, interferences, and obstacles during the process of securing the 42nd ASEAN Summit.

He also lauded 12 thousand joint personnel of TNI and the National Police (Polri) for their tremendous efforts to ensure the security of the event.

In his remarks, he also extended gratitude to various agencies: the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), State Intelligence Agency (BIN), National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), and Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG),

Furthermore, he lauded the regional governments of NTT Province and West Manggarai District.

In addition, he extended appreciation to religious figures, traditional figures, community leaders, and the residents of West Manggarai District for their involvement in securing the international event.

According to Margono, the success was achieved owing to the support provided by the community, "and the media crews who had been patiently covering the series of events and supporting us by providing enlightenment to the public regarding the summit."

He affirmed that the personnel on duty will gradually return to their respective original stations aboard aircraft or ships.

The commander departed for Jakarta via the Komodo Airport at 9:30 a.m. Central Indonesian Standard Time (WITA).