WILLEMSTAD – The presence of Dutch military personnel on the streets of Curaçao has caused unease among residents, particularly after their visible activity in the Otrobanda district. For several weeks, over 120 soldiers from the Dutch Defense Forces have been training on the island as part of the military exercise "Caribbean Djokja." However, the communication surrounding this exercise has not reached everyone, leading to speculation and concern within the local community.
On Tuesday, military personnel were once again spotted in Otrobanda, prompting questions from many residents. According to local reports from Èxtra, some individuals raised alarms due to a lack of clarity about the purpose of their presence. Since their arrival two weeks ago, the troops have been conducting both land and sea exercises, with Curaçao selected as the training site due to its favorable climate and diverse training environments.
Caribbean Djokja Exercise
The "Caribbean Djokja" exercise, running from January 22 to 31, involves both Field Training Exercises and Live Fire Exercises at various locations, including the Hato Plain, Fuik Bay, and Koraal Tabak. These activities aim to enhance combat techniques, test new technologies, and improve unit cohesion.
While the training is of strategic importance for military readiness, the presence of heavy equipment and soldiers in urban areas has been met with confusion and concern by residents. The Dutch Defense Forces have emphasized the critical nature of these exercises for ensuring the ability to respond swiftly and effectively in various scenarios.
The unit, part of the 13th Delta Company, has been stationed on Curaçao since November 2024 and uses the island as a base for intensive training. Despite assurances about the importance of the drills, local reactions underscore the need for clearer communication to alleviate public concerns about such operations.