The Indonesian Navy sends elite Marine Corps personnel to the world’s largest multinational naval exercise to enhance defense cooperation and interoperability.
Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to regional security by deploying Indonesian Navy personnel to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise in Hawaii, as part of efforts to strengthen defense cooperation and interoperability with partner countries across the Indo-Pacific.
According to an official statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C., issued on Wednesday, July 9, the biennial exercise brings together forces from 31 countries, involving 30 warships, six submarines, about 200 aircraft, and thousands of military personnel.
Elite Marines deployed
Indonesia has deployed 37 elite Indonesian Navy Marine Corps personnel drawn from Jalamangkara Detachment, Marine Corps 1 in Jakarta, Marine Corps 2 in Surabaya, and Marine Corps 3 in Sorong.
The contingent is led by Lieutenant Colonel Huda Prawira Soemarto, Commander of the Indonesian Navy Marine Special Training Center, and Lieutenant Colonel Eko Triyatmono, Commander of KRI Sultan Hasanuddin-366.
Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Indroyono Soesilo observed the exercise on July 7 alongside Indonesian Defense Attaché Vice Marshal Yose Ridha and Indonesian Embassy Political Coordinator Fahmi Ali Sarosa.
Showcasing operational capabilities
During training at the U.S. Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Honolulu, Indonesian Marines took part in fast-rope insertion, live-fire drills, close-quarters combat, joint operation simulations, and tropical jungle survival exercises.
According to the embassy, Indonesia’s expertise in tropical jungle survival drew particular interest from other participating forces because of the country’s extensive operational experience in tropical environments.
The Indonesian contingent also participated in sea survival training, where U.S. Marine Corps Colonel McDonald praised the Marines’ swimming ability and endurance, describing their performance as exceptional.
“RIMPAC enhances combat readiness and interoperability among participating armed forces, strengthening their ability to address maritime security, humanitarian, and disaster response challenges in the Indo-Pacific,” the Indonesian Embassy said in an official statement.
The embassy added that Indonesia’s participation supports broader defense cooperation with the United States and other partner countries under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership, while reinforcing Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
