Navy chief attends ASEAN naval meeting to strengthen cooperation and maritime stability

Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff (Kasal) Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali attended the 20th ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM) 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday, as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation among ASEAN navies.

“Through active participation in the 20th ANCM 2026, the Indonesian Navy continues to contribute to strengthening an inclusive regional maritime security architecture and to realising a safe, stable and peaceful Southeast Asian region,” Ali said in a written statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The meeting, held from 18 to 21 August 2026, was attended by the navy chiefs of ASEAN member states to discuss developments in the strategic environment and to strengthen cooperation in addressing regional maritime security challenges.

ANCM 2026 carried the theme “One ASEAN, One Maritime Vision, Naval Cooperation for Maritime Security, Prosperity, and Sustainability in ASEAN”.

The Kasal’s presence at the forum was part of the Indonesian Navy’s efforts to strengthen cooperation and communication with the navies of ASEAN countries, including through naval diplomacy.

During the series of activities, the Kasal also held a number of bilateral meetings with the navy chiefs of friendly countries to discuss defence and maritime security cooperation.

Through the ANCM forum, ASEAN countries continue to discuss joint measures to support regional security and stability, particularly in the maritime domain.