Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy is strengthening crew proficiency and operational readiness through tactical exercises in the Java Sea and Makassar Strait under Operation Rajawali Cakra-26.
Rear Adm. I Gung Putu Alit Jaya, commander of Fleet Command II and leader of the exercise, said in Makassar on Saturday that regular, planned training was essential to preparing skilled and resilient sailors for evolving maritime operations.
“The drills must improve technical and tactical skills, strengthen coordination among ships, and ensure every unit is fully prepared to carry out Indonesian Navy missions,” he said.
The exercises involved ships under the operational control of Fleet Command III’s Maritime Security Group and were aimed at improving readiness to address maritime challenges.
The participating vessels were KRI Tarakan-905, assigned to Fleet Command II’s Auxiliary Ship Unit, and KRI Teluk Banten-516, assigned to its Amphibious Ship Unit. Both ships were operating under Fleet Command III’s operational control.
The drills included replenishment at sea (RAS), flaghoist communications using signal flags, Flashex communications using light signals, and coordinated tactical maneuvers between ships.
“The exercises were designed to improve communication accuracy, navigation skills, and coordination among units in different operational scenarios,” Jaya said.
The L-3-level exercises also reflected Indonesian Navy leadership directives on unit development and the emphasis placed by Auxiliary Ship Unit Chief Col. Aria Candrayuda M. Arifin on personnel proficiency and equipment readiness.
“Integrated training is expected to help each ship follow operational procedures in a disciplined, effective, and methodical manner,” Arifin said.
He added that Operation Rajawali Cakra-26, conducted in 2026, aimed to improve interoperability, communications, and cooperation among ships in support of maritime security operations.
“Professionalism and operational readiness are vital to protecting national interests and strengthening the Indonesian Navy’s presence in the country’s strategic waters,” he said.
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Translator: M.Hasanuddin, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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