Indonesia and Australia Begin Joint Military Drills Under New Pact

Photo : AP

Indonesia and Australia have commenced joint military drills off the coast of Indonesia's main island, Java, as part of a new defense agreement between the two nations. Around 2,000 military personnel from both countries are taking part in this exercise, which covers a wide range of operations including air, maritime, amphibious, and land combat drills.

The joint training is set to include a live-fire exercise near Banongan beach in East Java's Situbondo district. This will involve the use of tanks, artillery, infantry units, attack helicopters, and a joint landing operation. Additionally, a non-combat evacuation operation, typically used in disaster scenarios, will also be conducted during the drills. 

The four-day exercise, known as Keris Woomera 2024, is a significant demonstration of the growing defense cooperation between Indonesia and Australia, following the signing of the Australia-Indonesia Defense Cooperation Agreement. The exercise is part of the broader Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024, Australia’s largest international engagement initiative in the region, which also includes activities in both Australia and Indonesia. 

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While Indonesia and Australia have historically been strategic allies, their relationship has experienced moments of tension. Past issues such as allegations of Australian wiretapping of a former Indonesian president, Indonesia’s use of capital punishment on Australian drug smugglers, and the controversial issue of migrant smuggling have strained ties. Nevertheless, this joint military exercise is viewed as a way to reinforce the partnership between the two countries, with an emphasis on trust-building, capability enhancement, and regional security. 

Lieutenant Colonel Empri Airudin, leading the Indonesian delegation, emphasized that the drills were aimed at strengthening the cooperation between Indonesia and Australia. He highlighted the importance of this partnership in maintaining peace and stability in the region. The exercise is seen as an opportunity to boost interoperability between the two forces, enhancing their readiness to respond to various security challenges.

The Australian side also voiced its commitment to the exercise's objectives. Captain Chris Doherty, Commander of the Australian Amphibious Task Force, stated that the drills would test all components of the Australian Amphibious Task Force, ensuring effective teamwork with their Indonesian counterparts. The exercise aims to enhance the ability of both nations' troops to rapidly deploy forces in response to a range of operational missions.

Indonesia’s defense priorities are currently being driven by the new administration under President Prabowo Subianto. The president has expressed intentions to expand Indonesia’s military capabilities, focusing on acquiring advanced equipment such as submarines, frigates, and fighter jets. President Subianto is also keen on fostering stronger defense relations with various countries, which includes conducting joint military exercises with nations like Russia.

In early November, Indonesia held military exercises with the Russian navy in East Java, demonstrating Indonesia's increasing defense cooperation with global powers. This comes amid growing concerns over China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. Indonesia, which has its own territorial disputes in the region, recently had an encounter with a Chinese coast guard ship that interfered with a survey being conducted by an Indonesian state-owned energy company in the contested waters.

However, despite these tensions in the region, President Subianto’s foreign policy seeks collaboration with China rather than confrontation. During his recent trip to Beijing, Subianto signed $10 billion worth of deals and agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping to hold the first-ever joint meeting of their foreign and defense ministers in 2025.

This evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific highlights the significance of the defense cooperation between Indonesia and Australia, especially as both nations seek to bolster their military capabilities and address regional security concerns. As the Keris Woomera 2024 exercise unfolds, it reinforces the message of mutual trust, defense preparedness, and stability in a region facing increasing geopolitical challenges.