Indonesian Navy Hosts 5th Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo 2025 in Bali
Denpasar, The Gulf Observer: 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, Admiral Ali emphasized the importance of the exercise in prioritizing natural disaster mitigation, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief, while also 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,” Ali stated.
The exercise, themed “Maritime Partnership for Peace and Stability,” also saw the participation of seven helicopters and three Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).
In addition to the at-sea training, the Indonesian Navy is conducting various humanitarian and community support activities. The Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP) includes the construction of public facilities such as roads and places of worship in Antiga Kelod village, Karangasem District, Bali.
Further humanitarian initiatives include the Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP), which offers community health services such as comprehensive health checks, dental examinations, mass circumcisions, blood donations, and minor medical surgeries. These services are being provided aboard KRI dr. Wahidin Sudiro Husodo-991 (KRI WSH-991), docked at Tanah Ampo Pier, Karangasem District, on February 17.
As part of the exercise, delegates from dozens of participating countries will attend the 6th International Maritime Security Symposium (IMSS) on February 17, the largest symposium hosted by the Indonesian Navy. The forum will facilitate discussions on the latest regional and global maritime issues from multiple perspectives.
The 5th MNEK also incorporates an environmental conservation program to address coastal abrasion. Activities include 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.
The Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo 2025 underscores Indonesia’s commitment to fostering maritime cooperation, strengthening regional security, and enhancing humanitarian and environmental efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.
