Russian and Indonesian navies hold first joint exercise

The Russian and Indonesian navies held their first joint exercise, "Orruda 2024", in the Indonesian port city of Surabaya and the Java Sea (Indonesia). The exercise, called "Orruda 2024", will last from November 4 to 8. The "Orruda 2024" exercise is the first bilateral exercise between the Indonesian and Russian navies since Indonesia gained independence.

Russia and Indonesia conduct joint military exercises from November 4-8. (Photo: Sputnik)

The name of the exercise is a combination of the names of the Russian eagle and the mythical Indonesian bird Garuda, which represents strength and courage. Indonesian Navy Commander General Denih Hendrata said that the Russian warships' arrival in Indonesia to participate in the joint exercise was aimed at promoting diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Russia, especially enhancing naval interoperability between the two sides. Meanwhile, Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergey Tolchenov affirmed that the exercise was not aimed at any country and could help "ensure regional security and stability". Ambassador Sergey Tolchenov said that in the future, Russian-Indonesian naval exercises could be held with a certain frequency, such as every two years.

Observers assessed that the first joint naval exercise between Indonesia and Russia marked a new milestone in strengthening the strategic defense relationship between the two countries. This is also seen as a move to further affirm Indonesia's non-aligned policy and willingness to be friends with any country.

In addition to Russia, Indonesia also holds joint exercises with the armies of many other countries, including the “Garuda Super Shield” exercises. In 2021, Russia also participated in joint naval exercises with ASEAN for the first time.

Earlier, on November 3, a flotilla of ships from the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy paid a friendly visit to the port of Tanjung Perak in Surabaya. The flotilla included the frigates Gromkiy, Rezkiy, the frigate Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov and the support ship Pechenga. Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergey Tolchenov witnessed the exchange activities between the two navies in Surabaya. The Russian Ambassador stressed that the exercise is a regular event of partner countries, not aimed at a third party. Commenting on this issue, the commander of the Pacific Fleet warship, Colonel Anciferov Alexey Vitalievich, noted that the exercise demonstrates Russia's readiness to support Indonesia and expressed hope that it will become an annual activity between the two sides. On September 10, the Russian Navy also launched the Ocean 2024 strategic exercise in the Pacific Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Baltic Sea. The Ocean 2024 exercise involves more than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels; 120 aircraft and helicopters of the naval air force and aerospace forces; about 7,000 units of weapons, military and special equipment as well as more than 90,000 military personnel./.

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