Australia and Indonesia are working together for Exercise Keris Woomera 26, which has officially begun with an opening ceremony in the East Java port of Banyuwangi.
Held from October 12 to 20, Exercise Keris Woomera 26 is this year’s largest overseas joint training activity for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), involving approximately 1000 ADF personnel, working side-by-side with 1235 members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, or TNI).
Commander Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO, CSC RAN, said the biennial exercise reinforced the strength of Australia’s security relationship with Indonesia.
“Indonesia is an essential and enduring partner for Australia, and it is significant that we share our largest overseas training activity for the year with the TNI,” Vice Admiral Jones said.
“Our ability to work together on this exercise reinforces our deep and longstanding partnership with Indonesia, underpinned by trust, mutual respect and close cooperation.”
This cooperation reflects Australia and Indonesia’s shared security interests, as outlined in the 2006 Framework for Security Cooperation (Lombok Treaty), 2018 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, 2024 Defence Cooperation Agreement, and this year’s Treaty on Common Security (Jakarta Treaty).
The ADF has embarked the Australian Amphibious Force on HMAS Choules for the exercise and has deployed HMA ships Perth and Stalwart. A C-130J Hercules and No 4 Squadron PC-21 aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force, and Australian Army capabilities including M777 Howitzers and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) are also being used.
After being conducted for the first time in 2024, the exercise will this year involve an amphibious landing in East Java, livefire exercises on TNI weapons ranges and maritime integration between the navies of both countries.
“The Indo-Pacific presents many challenges of geography and environment for Australia and Indonesia alike, especially in terms of how we each deploy and sustain a military force,” Vice Admiral Jones said.
“Exercise Keris Woomera provides a training environment where Australia and Indonesia can overcome these challenges together, conduct complex military training serials alongside one another, and enhance our ability to deter military coercion.”
