Indonesian next month to hold week-long joint naval drill

By Anadolu staff

Indonesia next month will hold a week-long joint naval exercise with the participation of 37 other countries, including Türkiye, according to state-run media.

The 5th MNEK joint exercises on Feb. 15-22 will be held around the island of Bali, Antara News reported late Friday.

Twenty-one warships will participate in the 5th MNEK joint exercises.

Adm. Muhammad Ali, the Indonesia Navy chief of staff, said that the drill is a non-combat exercise held every other year since 2014.

In the wake of the 2004 tsunami disaster, “we received assistance from other countries. Therefore, we must practice to strengthen our work to assist right on target," said Ali.

Other countries set to take part include Türkiye, the US, Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Iran, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, the UK, France, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Laos, Kenya, Canada, Italy, Colombia, Fiji, Iraq, Chile, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, the Philippines, Brunei, and the Netherlands.

During the exercise, ships will do field maneuvers in the Badung Strait, and there will also be forums for exchanging experiences plus an international maritime security symposium and defense exhibits on Bali.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid