Indonesia and Australia Step Up Joint Military Exercises

October 17, 2025 | 09:13 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of the Australian Defense Force (ADF), Admiral David Johnston, said that the partnership with Indonesia is being realized by increasing the number of joint military exercises.

During a press conference in Jakarta on Friday, October 17, 2025, Johnston noted that the increase in joint military exercises underscores Indonesia's importance to Australia.

"The Chief of the Australian Defense Force will always monitor activities around us. As neighbors, Australia realizes the importance of stability, security, and the sovereignty of Indonesia, which are also important for Australia's security," he said.

Johnston added that the partnership between the two countries has become closer after the signing of the Defense Cooperation Agreement.

"This agreement eases cooperation between our militaries by enhancing interoperability in various fields such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, logistics support, education and training, as well as defense industry cooperation," he said.

20 Joint Military Exercises

Johnston detailed that the ADF and TNI (Indonesian military) have conducted around 20 annual and biennial joint military exercises.

At the end of 2024, the two countries conducted their largest joint exercise to date, the Keris Woomera Exercise, which involved over 2,000 Australian and Indonesian personnel.

The exercise, which focused on amphibious, maritime, air, and ground operations, was one of the largest exercises ever conducted by the Australian Defense Force overseas last year.

In July 2025, the TNI participated in the largest exercise, Talisman Sabre Exercise, in Australia, involving over 40,000 military personnel from 19 partner countries.

"In the near future, we will also conduct the Bhakti Kanyini Exercise, focusing on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and the Rajawali Exercise, which is an air mobility exercise," Johnston said.

The ADF also looks forward to the presence of the TNI in Australia to participate in their largest air combat exercise, Pitch Black Exercise, as well as the flagship regional maritime exercise, Exercise Kakadu.

Johnston's visit to Jakarta is part of attending the annual high-level defense dialogue.

The Rajawali Ausindo Exercise is also planned for next year. It is a joint air mobility operation. Both of these exercises will be held in Indonesia.

In addition, joint exercises will also be carried out in the land of Kangaroo. Air combat training will be conducted in a "Pitch Black" operation. Both countries are also eagerly awaiting another maritime training called "Operation Kakadu."

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