Indonesia Showcases Marine Corps Readiness at RIMPAC 2026
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia has demonstrated 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., in a press statement confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday, said the world’s largest multinational military exercise involves 30 warships, six submarines, around 200 aircraft, and thousands of personnel from 31 countries.
Indonesia dispatched 37 of the finest soldiers from the Indonesian Navy Marine Corps, drawn 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 Marine Special Training Centre, Lieutenant Colonel Huda Prawira Soemarto, accompanied by the Commanding Officer of KRI Sultan Hasanuddin-366, Lieutenant Commander Eko Triyatmono.
The Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, Indroyono Soesilo, observed the RIMPAC exercise in person on 7 July, accompanied by the Indonesian Defence Attaché, Air Marshal Yose Ridha, and the Political Affairs Coordinator at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C., Fahmi Ali Sarosa.
The Indonesian delegation also witnessed a sea survival simulation performed by Indonesian Navy marines. The exercise commander from the US Marine Corps, Colonel McDonald, expressed appreciation for the swimming ability and endurance of the Indonesian troops, which were judged to be outstanding throughout the exercise.
During the exercise at the US Marine Corps Training Area Bellows and the surrounding Honolulu area, the Indonesian troops took part in various modules, ranging from fast rope drills, marksmanship, close-quarters combat tactics, cross-national joint operations simulations, to tropical jungle survival skills.
The ability to survive in tropical jungle drew particular attention from other participants, as it was regarded as a distinctive expertise of Indonesian soldiers accustomed to operating in tropical environments, according to the statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
“RIMPAC is not only a venue for enhancing combat readiness, but also for strengthening interoperability among the armed forces of various countries. The ability to work together effectively is an important asset in facing maritime security challenges, humanitarian operations, and disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific region,” the statement said.
The Embassy also considered that Indonesia’s participation strengthens its strategic ties with the United States and partner nations under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership, whilst demonstrating Indonesia’s commitment to safeguarding peace and stability in the region.
“Through active participation in RIMPAC 2026, Indonesia reaffirms its position as an archipelagic nation with the capacity, experience, and strong commitment to maintaining regional maritime security,” the Embassy statement read.
The Embassy viewed the participation as a reflection of Indonesia’s role as a partner in strengthening security and peace cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.