Mining War Training With The Singapore Navy In Riau Islands, TNI AL Falls 219 Personnel

KRI Pulau Fani-731 and KRI Pulau Fanildo-732 while leaning at Batu Ampar Port, Batam City, Riau Islands (ANTARA/TNI AL)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Navy (AL) involved 210 personnel in joint training in mine warfare/mine warfare exercise with the Navy of the Republic of Singapore (RSN). The 2024 Latma Joint Minex Pandu military exercise was held in Bintan waters, Riau Islands Province (Kepri).

Danlantamal IV Batam, First Admiral TNI Tjatur Soniarto said the joint training lasted for three days, from 16-19 May 2024 in Bintan waters.

Apart from the Indonesian Navy, as many as 105 RSN personnel were also involved in the joint training of the mine war.

"All of them involve 315 personnel, 210 from the Indonesian Navy and 105 from the RSN. This is a joint exercise that is carried out regularly every year," said Tjatur in Batam, Tuesday, May 14, as quoted by Antara.

The purpose of this joint exercise increases the ability to detect and clean sea mines, to maintain security and safety in each country.

"This joint exercise is part of an effort to strengthen relations between Indonesia and Singapore in the defense sector, and it is important to ensure that our waters are free from the threat of mines," he said.

Tjatur said, there are two ships from the Republic of Indonesia (KRI) with the Mine Counter Measure Vessel (MCMV) type, namely KRI Pulau Fani-731 and KRI Pulau Fanildo-732, which are now assigned under Koarmada II and carrying out tasks throughout Indonesian waters.

"This joint exercise is expected to make a significant contribution to maritime security in strategic waters such as the Malacca Strait and the Singapore Strait," he said.

Deputy Commander of Maritime Security RSN Colonel Michael Chan said deploying two MCMV fleets, such as RSS Punggol and RSS Bedok.

Then, his party also deployed a naval diving unit (NAVAL Diving Unit/NDU) in joint training for mine warfare.

"This joint exercise activity can improve skills and complexity for marine security agencies in Indonesia and Singapore. We thank the Indonesian Navy in the implementation of this training. This is an important training for both countries," said Michael Chan.