TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indo-Pacific Endeavour, the main regional activity between Indonesia and Australia is held in Surabaya this year. The arrival of HMAS ANZAC in the North Jamrud Dock, Tanjung Perak Harbor in Surabaya, East Java on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, marked the beginning of the activity.

During their stay in Surabaya, the unit will conduct several bilateral activities, including submarine launching and exchange of rescue knowledge, gender security, and peace workshop, and other activities with the regional government.

The arrival of HMAS ANZAC commandeered by First Admiral McCormack was welcomed by the Deputy Commander of the Main Naval Base V Commander Baidhowi.

Baidhowi said HMAS ANZAC will be anchored in Surabaya until August 4, 2023, with two main agendas aboard the ship. First concerning religious discussion inviting clergies in the Indonesian Navy, and second concerning gender, inviting policewomen and the Women's Naval Service Corps. Australian Navy Attache in Indonesia Captain Roodney Griffith added that four clerics from the Australian military and eight from Indonesian Navy will conduct a meeting. "They will discuss the prosperity of their subordinates," he said.

IPE 2023 supports the Australian government's focus to boost diplomatic partnership and security across Southeast Asia and the northeast of the Indian Ocean and to commit to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region. IPE 2023 conducts activities with Indonesia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Phillippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Timor Leste, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Australian Navy, Air Force, and Military also support the series of activities by offering the transfer of knowledge and training.

Tony McCormack said that Indonesia is Australia's closest and most prominent partner. Thus, Australia and Indonesia have a mutual interest in the peaceful, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific with ASEN at its center. "Australia and Indonesia share the longest maritime delimitation zone and are natural maritime partners. Maritime cooperation is one of the five pillars in the Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," said McCormack.

KUKUH S. WIBOWO

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