Media Release
21 October 2021
September and October have been busy months for the Indonesia and Australia army relationship. Three joint training exercises and two senior officer visits have been held across both countries.
“The recommencement of bilateral military training between our two countries marks an important milestone in our defence and security partnership,”said Penny Williams, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia.
“Indonesia is a vital strategic partner. The resumption of visits and training is a testament to the importance placed on the relationship by both countries as we chart a course out of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The 2-Plus-2 Dialogue involving the Defence and Foreign Ministers on 9 September was quickly followed by a visit to Jakarta by Major General ‘Jake’ Ellwood, Commander of the Australian Army’s 1st Division.
Major General Ellwood’s visit included a meeting with Senior Leaders from Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Darat (Indonesian National Army). Opportunities and initiatives to increase the level and complexity of joint training between the two countries were discussed in a meeting with Indonesian Army Chief of Staff, General Andika Perkasa.
Major General Ellwood said that he was “delighted to be back in Indonesia as we embark on strengthening our bilateral Army relationship with Indonesia.”
On 24 September, Major General Ellwood opened the two-week Junior Officer Combat Instructor Training (JOCIT) in Bandung, West Java involving 165 Indonesian and Australian Army members. Speaking about the importance of interoperability, he said that “while cooperation between our two countries is increasing, the complexity of the operations we are required to undertake is also increasing. Activities like JOCIT are so important for both countries.”
On 27 September, the two countries Special Forces Units Kopassus and SASR commenced a Joint Counter Terrorism exercise named Dawn Komodo, in Sewang, West Java. Designed to exchange counter terrorism skill, knowledge and experience, Exercise Dawn Komodo remains one the longest running joint training exercises undertaken by our respective Special Forces.
Australia is also hosting 200 Indonesian Army personnel over the month of October in Darwin for Exercise Wirra Jaya. This year’s Australian Army sponsored exercise is the largest iteration of the exercise since it began. Exercise Wirra Jaya is an annual three week joint exercise between Australia and Indonesia that enhances the infantry skills of both countries and reinforces shared values and commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Links to imagery below:
- MAJGEN Ellwood call with KASAD at MABESAD
- Exercise JOCIT in Cipatat, West Java
- Exercise Dawn Komodo in Sewang, West Java
- MAJGEN Ellwood call with WAKASAD at MABESAD
- MAJGEN Ellwood call with PANGKOSTRAD at MAKOSTRAD
- MAJGEN Ellwood call with DANJEN KOPASSUS at MAKOPASSUS
- MAJGEN Ellwood call with DANKODIKLATAD
- MAJGEN Ellwood at JOCIT opening
- MAJGEN Ellwood and DANPUSPENERBAD
- MAJGEN Ellwood call with PANGDAM JAYA
- MAJGEN Ellwood at Ikatan Alumni Pertahanan Indonesia Australia Dinner
- MAJGEN Ellwood at Bushfire Assist Commendation
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