Denpasar, Bali ( WNAM MONITORING); Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali announced that 38 countries and 19 foreign warships participated in the 5th Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo 2025 (MNEK) in Tanjung Benoa Waters, Bali, on Sunday.
During the opening ceremony, Ali expressed his hope that the exercise would prioritize natural disaster mitigation and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, as well as addressing joint maritime threats in non-warfighting scenarios.
“Nineteen foreign warships are present, along with 17 Indonesian warships, ranging from the Indonesian Coast Guard and Marine Police Corps to fishing vessels, all joining this exercise,” he stated.
Seven helicopters and three Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) also participated in the joint exercise, themed “Maritime Partnership For Peace and Stability.”
In addition to the at-sea training, Ali said the Indonesian Navy would conduct various activities, including the Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP), a humanitarian program involving the construction of public facilities such as roads and places of worship in Antiga Kelod village, Karangasem District, Bali.
This will be followed by other humanitarian activities, such as the Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP), a community health service program that includes comprehensive health checks, dental health checks, mass circumcisions, blood donations, and minor medical surgeries on the KRI dr. Wahidin Sudiro Husodo-991 (KRI WSH-991), docked at Tanah Ampo Pier, Karangasem District, on February 17.
Dozens of participating countries will also attend the 6th International Maritime Security Symposium (IMSS) on February 17, the largest symposium event held by the Indonesian Navy.
This symposium provides a forum for participants and delegates to discuss the latest regional and global maritime issues from various aspects and perspectives.
The 5th Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) also includes an environmental conservation and coastal abrasion prevention program, featuring mangrove tree planting in the I Gusti Ngurah Rai Forest Park Area, the release of turtle hatchlings at Peninsula Beach, Nusa Dua, Bali, and a beach cleanup at Mertasari Sanur Beach.
