SITUBONDO, Indonesia — On Wednesday, Indonesian and Australian armed forces commenced joint military drills near Indonesia’s Java island. Approximately 2,000 personnel are participating in operations that encompass air, maritime, amphibious, and ground exercises.
The exercises include a live-fire scenario at Banongan Beach in Situbondo, East Java, featuring tanks, artillery, infantry units, and attack helicopters. The training also comprises a joint landing operation alongside a non-combat evacuation exercise designed for emergency situations. This four-day event, known as Keris Woomera 2024, underscores the enhanced collaboration between Indonesia and Australia, made possible by the recent Australia-Indonesia Defense Cooperation Agreement.
Indonesia has been recognized as a key neighbor and ally to Australia, although the partnership has experienced ups and downs. Recent points of contention have included allegations of Australia’s surveillance on a former Indonesian president, issues surrounding Indonesia’s capital punishment for Australian drug offenders, and challenges related to people smuggling.
Lt. Col. Empri Airudin, who leads the Indonesian military delegation, expressed that the joint drills aim to bolster the partnership between the two nations, enhancing trust and operational capabilities. He noted that these exercises serve as a method for sustaining security and stability within the region.
The drills are part of the Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024, which stands as Australia’s largest international military engagement event within the region. Commander Chris Doherty of the Australian Amphibious Task Force spoke to reporters about the exercise’s comprehensive nature, asserting it will enable all units to function cohesively with their Indonesian counterparts. He added that the KW24 would equip both nations’ troops with the ability to swiftly mobilize forces for various missions.
Under the leadership of new President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s defense has become a focal point, with ambitions to expand military capabilities through the acquisition of submarines, frigates, and fighter jets. He is also keen on fostering increased defense collaboration with multiple countries.
Recently, Indonesia has engaged in military training exercises with various nations, including a naval exercise with Russia in East Java’s waters. Such activities arise amid heightened regional concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s assertive maneuvers in the Indo-Pacific.
In a significant development, last month, Indonesian patrol ships successfully intervened when a Chinese coast guard vessel disrupted a survey conducted by a state-owned energy enterprise in a contested area of the South China Sea. China’s military expansion and territorial claims have generated rising tensions, particularly with nations like the Philippines and Vietnam, while also involving Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
Notably, during President Subianto’s initial international trip to Beijing last weekend, he advocated for a collaborative approach with China, moving toward diplomatic engagement rather than conflict. This visit led to the signing of $10 billion in new agreements during a business forum before his journey to the United States. In discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, they reached an agreement to hold the first-ever joint meeting of their foreign and defense ministers in 2025.