Media Release
24 February 2025
Australia and Indonesia have strengthened maritime ties through multinational Exercise Komodo 2025, with a total of 38 nations sending a mix of observer delegations and warships, at Pelabuhan Tanjung Benoa, Bali from 15-22 February 2025.
HMAS Hobart participated in the exercise alongside ships from 14 other nations, including 19 Indonesian Navy vessels.
With the theme ‘Maritime Partnership for Peace and Stability', Exercise Komodo 25 emphasised the importance of cooperation between navies in facing maritime challenges, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
During the sea phase of Exercise Komodo 25, Australia and Indonesia, together with the warships and aircraft of the other participating nations, exercised a search and rescue mission.
Australia’s Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, RAN, recognised the importance of Australia-Indonesia naval engagement to support regional security.
“As neighbours in the maritime domain, it is essential that Australia and Indonesia continue to build cooperation and strengthen our collective ability to manage our shared security interests.”
In the lead up to the exercise, Vice Admiral Hammond and the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral TNI Mohammad Ali, signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding on Submarine Abandonment, Escape and Rescue.
“This MoU will promote closer cooperation on an issue of importance to both navies and is a reflection of our shared commitment to maritime security and safety,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.
The MoU will enable Australia and Indonesia to exchange expertise and knowledge on submarine abandonment, escape, and rescue, through dialogue, education and collective training.
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