Indonesia's 35 marines join RIMPAC 2026 exercise in Hawaii

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) deployed 35 personnel from the Marine Corps to Hawaii, United States, to participate in the 30th edition of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) multilateral exercise.

TNI AL noted in a statement in Jakarta on Friday that the 35 marines arrived in Hawaii on Wednesday (June 24) to attend the opening ceremony of the biennial drill.

Head of the Marine Corps Information Bureau, Colonel Rana Karyana, explained that the troops’ participation in the US-led event aims to strengthen Indonesia’s military ties with partner countries and bring pride to the nation.

“The participation of the Marine Corps in the prestigious event represents a strategic opportunity to enhance personnel capacity, broaden professional knowledge, and demonstrate capabilities,” he said in the statement.

Karyana added that US Colonel Stephen E. DeTrinis, commander of the Marine Corps Base Hawaii, presided over the opening brief and ceremony in the building of the Marine Corps Community Services.

He noted that DeTrinis welcomed all participants to Hawaii while emphasizing discipline, professionalism, and compliance with procedures throughout RIMPAC 2026.

Furthermore, he said that participants had received briefings on exercise mechanisms, rules, and regulations engineered to ensure safety and security during the drill.

He expressed hope that the Indonesian delegation would fully abide by all requirements and deliver outstanding performance at this year’s exercise.

The 35 Indonesian marines have undergone a series of preparatory drills in a bid to excel at the 30th RIMPAC.

Preparations included zeroing and marksmanship training in Jakarta on June 8 and a combat operation drill focused on air mobility and fast-roping at an airfield in South Tangerang, Banten, on June 20.

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Translator: Walda M, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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