On the back of the successful Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) this year, the Indonesian Navy will hold a similar exercise in 2016, focusing on maritime peace-keeping operations
n the back of the successful Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) this year, the Indonesian Navy will hold a similar exercise in 2016, focusing on maritime peace-keeping operations.
'This year's exercise focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,' MNEK's training director, Commodore Amarullah Octavian, told The Jakarta Post.
'The second exercise will focus on peace-keeping operations under the United Nations' flag.'
Amarullah said, however, that the location had yet to be decided.
The 2014 Komodo exercise officially ended on Thursday, with closing ceremonies held in three separate locations in Riau Islands province.
The spokesman of the Indonesian Navy's Western Fleet, Lt. Col. Agus Cahyono, told the Post that the closing ceremonies were held in Tarempa, Jemaja and Sabah Mawang in Anambas Islands and Natuna regencies.
'The multilateral naval exercise ended successfully and went as planned,' he said.
The Indonesian Military (TNI) fielded 4,800 personnel with 27 warships while foreign participants sent 1,500 personnel.
Besides ASEAN member countries and its partners of China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United States and Russia, there were also observers from the United Nations and the European Union.
'We will devise standard operating procedures on disaster relieve from the first multilateral naval exercise,' Amarullah said.
'Such a standard is important because at the time of the 2004 tsunami there were no standard procedures for cooperation.' (nvn)
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.