Antara News·Indonesia·Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 09:33 AM UTC

Indonesia, Australia hold joint military exercise in Banyuwangi

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Asri Mayang Sari

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The joint Keris Woomera 26 exercise between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) in Banyuwangi, East Java, aims to strengthen bilateral defense and security cooperation.

ADF Joint Operations Commander Vice Admiral Justin Jones said the exercise reinforced the countries' longstanding partnership, which was built on trust, mutual respect and close cooperation, according to an Australian Embassy statement on Tuesday.

Keris Woomera 26 runs from October 12 to 20 in Banyuwangi, involving about 1,235 TNI personnel and 1,000 ADF personnel.

Jones described Indonesia as an important and enduring partner for Australia, noting that the exercise represented Australia's largest overseas military training activity this year.

The exercise includes an amphibious landing in East Java, live-fire drills and maritime operations integration between the two countries' navies.

Jones said the Indo-Pacific posed geographic and environmental challenges for both countries, particularly in deploying and sustaining military forces.

He said Keris Woomera provided a training environment for Indonesia and Australia to address these challenges together while conducting complex military drills side by side.

Jones said the exercise was expected to deliver tangible security benefits, improve force deployment capabilities and strengthen deterrence against military coercion.

Keris Woomera is a bilateral exercise first held in 2024 and conducted every two years.

This year, the ADF deployed the Australian Amphibious Force aboard HMAS Choules, along with HMAS Perth and HMAS Stalwart.

The Royal Australian Air Force's C-130J Hercules and No. 4 Squadron PC-21 aircraft also took part, alongside Australian Army M777 howitzers and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers.

The TNI deployed a Diponegoro-class corvette, artillery and multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS), Bell 412 and Panther helicopters, and Super Tucano aircraft.

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