KORANBOGOR.com,JAKARTA-Australia and Indonesia are working together for Exercise Keris Woomera 26, which has officially begun with an opening ceremony in the East Java port of Banyuwangi.
Held until October 20, Exercise Keris Woomera 26 is this year’s largest overseas joint training activity for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), involving approximately 1,000 ADF personnel, working side-by-side with 1,235 members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, or TNI).
Exercise Keris Woomera 26 is a bilateral activity between Australia and Indonesia, first held in 2024 and conducted every two years.
Commander Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO, CSC RAN, said the exercise reinforced the strength of Australia’s security relationship with Indonesia.
“Indonesia is an essential and enduring partner for Australia, and it is significant that we share our largest overseas training activity for the year with the TNI,” Vice Admiral Jones said.
“Our ability to work together on this exercise reinforces our deep and longstanding partnership with Indonesia, underpinned by trust, mutual respect and close cooperation.
The ADF has embarked the Australian Amphibious Force on HMAS Choules for this exercise, alongside the deployment of HMA ships Perth and Stalwart. Also participating are C-130J Hercules and No 4 Squadron PC-21 aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force, and Australian Army capabilities including M777 Howitzers and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
Participating TNI assets include a Diponegoro Class corvette, artillery and Multiple Launch Rocket System, Bell-412 and Panther helicopters, and Super Tucano aircraft.
The exercise will involve an amphibious landing in East Java, live fire exercise on TNI weapons ranges, and maritime integration between the navies of both countries.
“The Indo-Pacific presents many challenges of geography and environment for Australia and Indonesia alike, especially in terms of how we each deploy and sustain a military force,” Vice Admiral Jones said.
“Exercise Keris Woomera provides a training environment wherein Australia and Indonesia can overcome these challenges together, and conduct complex military training serials alongside one another.”
“The experience we gain provides tangible security benefits to Australia and Indonesia, enhancing our ability to move forces during times of need, and maintain deterrence from military coercion.”
More information about Exercise Keris Woomera 26 is available from https://www.defence.gov.au/keris-woomera
Media Enquiries: Public-Affairs-JAKT@dfat.gov.au