Indonesian military joins 2026 RIMPAC to reinforce regional stability

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific by deploying troops to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 military exercise in Hawaii, the United States.

The Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C., in a statement on Wednesday (July 8), informed that the world's largest multinational military exercise involves 30 warships, six submarines, approximately 200 aircraft, and thousands of personnel from 31 countries.

Indonesia is sending 37 of the best Indonesian Navy Marine Corps soldiers from Jalamangkara Detachment, Jakarta Marine Corps 1, Surabaya Marine Corps 2, and Sorong Marine Corps 3.

The contingent is led by Lieutenant Colonel Huda Prawira Soemarto, Commander of the Indonesian Navy's Marine Special Training Center, and Lieutenant Colonel Eko Triyatmono, Commander of the KRI Sultan Hasanuddin-366.

Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, Indroyono Soesilo, personally observed the RIMPAC exercise on July 7, accompanied by Indonesian Defense Attaché Vice Marshal Yose Ridha and the Coordinator of Political Functions at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C., Fahmi Ali Sarosa.

The Indonesian delegation also attended a sea survival exercise performed by Indonesian Navy Marines, where Colonel McDonald of the US Marine Corps lauded the Indonesian troops' swimming proficiency and endurance, describing their performance as exceptional.

During the exercise at the US Marine Corps Training Area Bellows and the surrounding area of Honolulu, the Indonesian soldiers participated in various materials, ranging from fast rope training, shooting, close-quarters combat tactics, cross-border joint operations simulations, and tropical jungle survival skills.

The Indonesian Embassy in D.C. said that tropical jungle survival emerged as one of the Indonesian troops' standout capabilities, drawing the attention of fellow participants who viewed it as a distinctive skill developed through operations in tropical environments.

"RIMPAC enhances combat readiness and interoperability among participating armed forces, strengthening their ability to address maritime security, humanitarian, and disaster response challenges in the Indo-Pacific," the statement said.

According to the embassy, Indonesia's participation strengthens strategic cooperation with the United States and partner countries through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership, while underscoring its commitment to maintaining regional peace and stability.

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Translator: Kuntum Khaira, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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