TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - The Indonesian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy held a joint military exercise dubbed Malindo Jaya 26AB/22 from August 29 to September 3, 2022. The Commander of the Indonesian Navy 2nd Fleet Command Rear Admiral T.N.S.B. Hutabarat opened the program today at Majapahit Koarmada II, Dermaga Ujung, Surabaya.

The Commander of the Royal Malaysian Navy Western Fleet, Vice Admiral Datuk Abu Bakar Bin Mohd Ajis, attended the opening ceremony.

Hutabarat said the six-day joint exercise in the Java Sea would involve the main weapons system, viz. four warships and two helicopters. The warships deployed by the Indonesian Navy are KRI R.E. Martadinata 331, KRI Tombak-629, and a Panther Helicopter.

The Malaysian Navy, meanwhile, deployed the Royal Ship (KD) Sri Indra Sakti-1503, KD Lekiu-30, and Super Lynx Helicopter.

The joint exercise, he added, is part of programs to cement cooperation between the two countries in the maritime sector. It is also aimed at tightening bilateral ties between the two navies, testing the regular procedures for the joint training, and focusing on aspects of Naval Warfare training combined with elements of Maritime Security or Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO).

“This joint exercise is carried out in two stages; the Harbor Phase and the Sea Phase, which is carried out in the waters of the Java Sea,” Hutabarat remarked.

Datuk Abu Bakar also said the joint exercise is important for the Indonesian Navy and the Malaysian Navy after almost four years of delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “So our relationship is getting closer. One day when military cooperation is needed at sea, it will be easy to implement it,” he said.

KUKUH S. WIBOWO

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