en.malanginspirasi.com – An opening ceremony in the East Java port city of Banyuwangi marked the official commencement of Exercise Keris Woomera 2026, a major bilateral military activity bringing together Australian and Indonesian defense elements, as reported from Australian Defence.
Running from October 12 through October 20, the event stands as the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) largest international exercise of the year.
The drills unite roughly 1,000 Australian service members alongside 1,235 personnel from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
Commander Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO, CSC RAN, highlighted that the recurring exercise underscores the strong bilateral security ties between both nations.
“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.”
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This ongoing strategic collaboration aligns with key bilateral frameworks established over the years, including the 2006 Lombok Treaty, the 2018 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the 2024 Defence Cooperation Agreement, and the 2026 Jakarta Treaty on Common Security.
To support the joint operations, Australia deployed its Amphibious Force aboard HMAS Choules, alongside HMA Ships Perth and Stalwart.
Air and ground assets committed to the field include Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules and No 4 Squadron PC-21 aircraft, as well as Australian Army HIMARS rocket artillery and M777 Howitzers.
Building upon its inaugural iteration in 2024, the 2026 schedule features amphibious landing maneuvers in East Java, live-fire drills at TNI training grounds, and joint naval integration activities.
“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.”
