Enhancing Regional Security, TNI-USINDOPCOM Establish Public Affairs Cooperation

SUARA NEGERI | JAKARTA — A delegation from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) conducted the Public Affairs Officer Subject Matter Expert Exchange (PAO SMEE) 2025 from June 22 to 26, 2025, at the USINDOPACOM Headquarters, Camp Smith.

This activity aims to strengthen cooperation in the field of Public Affairs between the TNI and USINDOPACOM, particularly in addressing the dynamics of strategic communication in the Indo-Pacific region. The main agenda includes initial discussions on the role of PAO in the joint Super Garuda Shield (SGS) 2025 exercise, as well as dialogue on strengthening the functions of Public Affairs or Public Relations.

Some of the topics covered in the SMEE include Cognitive Warfare as a form of modern information threats, and Theater Posture, which impacts regional public perception. Discussions also addressed the handling of Disinformation and Misinformation, with further insights from USINDOPACOM on the structure and practices of external communication within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD Public Affairs and External Communications).

At the end of the event, Captain U.S. Navy Rebecca Rebarich, Director of Public Affairs and Outreach at USINDOPACOM, expressed appreciation for the active participation of the TNI delegation and emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation in this field.

The TNI delegation at the PAO SMEE 2025 consisted of nine personnel, including representatives from the TNI Headquarters, Army, Navy, and Air Force. This activity is expected to be a strategic step in strengthening the TNI's adaptive and professional public communication capabilities.(*)