Indonesia Showcases Marine Corps Readiness at RIMPAC 2026

Indonesia is demonstrating its military readiness to contribute to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region through its participation in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2026, taking place in Hawaii, United States. The Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C., confirmed in a press statement on Wednesday that the world’s largest multinational naval exercise involves 30 warships, six submarines, approximately 200 aircraft, and thousands of personnel from 31 countries. Indonesia has deployed 37 of its best Marine Corps personnel from the Jalamangkara Detachment, the 1st Marine Force in Jakarta, the 2nd Marine Force in Surabaya, and the 3rd Marine Force in Sorong. The contingent is led by the Commander of the Navy’s Special Training Centre, Lieutenant Colonel Huda Prawira Soemarto, accompanied by the Commanding Officer of the KRI Sultan Hasanuddin-366, Lieutenant Commander Eko Triyatmono. Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Indroyono Soesilo observed the RIMPAC drills on 7 July, accompanied by Defence Attaché Air Commodore Yose Ridha and the Political Function Coordinator at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C., Fahmi Ali Sarosa. The Indonesian delegation witnessed a sea survival simulation demonstrated by Indonesian Marine Corps personnel. The exercise commander from the US Marine Corps, Colonel McDonald, expressed appreciation for the swimming skills and endurance of the Indonesian soldiers, which were deemed highly outstanding during the training. During the exercise at the US Marine Corps Training Area Bellows and around Honolulu, the Indonesian troops participated in various drills, including fast rope exercises, marksmanship, close-quarters battle tactics, joint multinational operation simulations, and tropical jungle survival skills. The embassy statement noted that tropical jungle survival skills were a particular highlight, regarded as a distinctive expertise of Indonesian soldiers accustomed to operating in tropical environments. The statement said that RIMPAC not only serves as a platform to enhance combat readiness but also to strengthen interoperability among the armed forces of various nations. The ability to cooperate effectively is considered a crucial asset in addressing maritime security challenges, humanitarian operations, and disaster response in the Indo-Pacific region. The embassy assessed that Indonesia’s participation strengthens strategic relations with the United States and partner countries within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Major Defence Cooperation Partnership, while also demonstrating Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining regional peace and stability. Through its active participation in RIMPAC 2026, Indonesia reaffirms its position as an archipelagic nation with the capacity, experience, and strong commitment to safeguarding regional maritime security.