Open The First ASEAN Military Exercise, Admiral Yudo: TNI Penggas Emphasizes Inter-National Unity

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono reviewed the readiness of the Malaysian patrol boat, KD Trengganu, after opening ASEX-01 N 2023 in Riau Islands, Tuesday (19/9/2023). (ANTARA/Genta T M)

KEPRI - TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono officially opened the ASEAN Solidarity Exercise Natuna 2023 (ASEX-01 N). The exercise, which was attended by 10 ASEAN and Timor Leste member countries as observers, was held at Batu Ampar Pier, Batam, Riau Islands (Kepri), Tuesday 19 September.

The activity was the first non-combatan exercise involving all armed forces from member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"The TNI as the initiator of this exercise wants to emphasize that the unity of member countries will continue and be maintained. ASEAN must always maintain harmonious unity and relations between each other in the midst of diversity," said the TNI Commander in his remarks at the opening of ASEX-01 N at Batu Ampar Pier, Tuesday, September 19, which was confiscated by Antara.

The TNI Commander believes that all military from ASEAN countries have agreed to continue to strengthen cooperation, which will include exchanging knowledge and information and military tactics from each armed force.

"In the joint exercise of ASEAN Solidarity Exercise 01 Natuna 2023, the Army, Navy, and Air Force were involved in various non-combatan activities, including maritime area security activities, search and rescue actions, civil engineering (ENCAP) programs, health services (MEDCAP), and discussion activities of experts (Subject Matter Exchange), deck landing qualification, and review at sea," said the TNI Commander.

He hopes that soldiers from the armed forces of participating ASEAN countries can take advantage of training moments to learn from each other and improve work professionalism.

"This activity will strengthen and sharpen our ability to maintain peace, prosperity and security in the region," said the TNI Commander.

On the same occasion, he also reminded the participants to follow safety and security guidelines and procedures while participating in the entire series of training sessions.

The 10 ASEAN countries involved in ASEX-01 Natuna 2023 are Indonesia as the initiator and host, then Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines, while Timor Leste acts as the observer. Several leaders from friendly countries were present, including Malaysian Army Commander General Tan Sri Datuk Seri Mohammad bin Ab Rahman, Chief of Defense Force of the Singapore Armed Forces Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, and Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Royal Thai Armed Forces Admiral Thani Kaewkao.

In the training session, the TNI deployed two warships, namely KRI dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat-992 and KRI Jhon Lie-358. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Army Force deployed a patrol boat KD Trengganu, Brunei Darussalam also deployed a patrol boat KDB Darulehsan, and Singapore deployed a warship of the Vigour RSS corvette type.

The ships will patrol together in the North Natuna Sea during a series of exercises taking place on September 18-23, 2023.