Denpasar, Bali – The 5th Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2025 commenced in Bali’s Tanjung Benoa Waters, gathering 38 participating nations and 19 foreign warships. Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali highlighted the significance of this year’s event, emphasizing disaster relief efforts and maritime security in non-combat scenarios.
Strengthening maritime cooperation
The naval exercise, themed Maritime Partnership for Peace and Stability, brought together a diverse fleet, including:
- 19 foreign warships
- 17 Indonesian warships, involving the Indonesian Coast Guard, Marine Police Corps, and fishing vessels
- Seven helicopters and three Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA)
The initiative focuses on enhancing coordination in humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and joint maritime threat mitigation.
Humanitarian and environmental Programs
Beyond at-sea drills, MNEK 2025 integrates humanitarian and environmental conservation activities:
Humanitarian assistance initiatives
- Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP): Construction of public facilities, including roads and places of worship, in Antiga Kelod village, Karangasem District.
- Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP): Comprehensive health services such as general and dental check-ups, mass circumcisions, blood donations, and minor medical surgeries. These services are conducted aboard the KRI dr. Wahidin Sudiro Husodo-991 (KRI WSH-991), docked at Tanah Ampo Pier on February 17.
Maritime security symposium
In conjunction with the exercise, Indonesia will host the 6th International Maritime Security Symposium (IMSS) on February 17, providing a global forum to address pressing regional and international maritime security challenges.
Environmental conservation efforts
- Mangrove tree planting at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Forest Park
- Turtle hatchling release at Peninsula Beach, Nusa Dua
- Beach cleanup at Mertasari Sanur Beach
With a blend of naval drills, humanitarian aid, and environmental conservation, Komodo 2025 underscores Indonesia’s commitment to fostering regional maritime cooperation and sustainable security practices.
