Maritime Security a Key Focus in Indonesia and Australian Joint Exercise

Two Australian Navy ships from Perth have arrived in Surabaya to join the TNI-AL in a major four day maritime security exercise in the Java Sea.

The Royal Australian Navy Frigate HMAS Arunta and the RAN tanker HMAS Sirius are in Indonesia for Exercise ‘New Horizon’ – the most important annual naval exercise of its kind between the two nations.

HMAS Arunta’s Commanding officer Cameron Steil says he and his crew are very much looking forward to working with the TNI-AL. ‘Our relationship with the TNI-AL and Indonesia in general remains one of the most important that we have in this region,’ CMDR Steil said.

‘The activities we will undertake together will allow us to operate more closely with each other to better protect our maritime interests. We share a common determination to keep our waterways secure.’

Both HMAS Arunta and HMAS Sirius are based in Perth, Western Australia, which has a sister city relationship with Eastern Java.

The Commanding Officer of HMAS Sirius, Commander Darren Grogan agrees Exercise New Horizon provides a perfect opportunity to improve regional relationships. ‘New Horizon is an annual exercise but we very much appreciate the chance to work with our close neighbours,’ CMDR Grogan said. ’This sort of interaction could indeed lead to new opportunities for both our Navies.’

Exercise New Horizon will take place from the 9^th to the 12^th of November, both at sea and ashore. Ships will conduct refuelling, communication and live fire activities together. Sailors will also participate in sporting contests and other shore based activities.

HMAS Arunta and HMAS Sirius will then head home after concluding a two and a half month long tour of the Asian region.

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