Indonesia and the Philippines Kick Off Joint Maritime Exercise

KBRN, Jakarta: A crucial joint exercise, the Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Philindo 2025, is underway between the Indonesian and Philippine navies to improve regional maritime security. Head of the Naval Area Command (Kodaeral) VIII Information Service, Lt.Col. Rudi Tandirerung, said that both countries recognize the importance of the drill aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing troop professionalism.

"This exercise is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation while increasing the professionalism of the soldiers of both countries in maintaining maritime security stability in the Indonesia-Philippines border region," he said in Bitung, North Sulawesi, on Sunday, September 28, 2025, as quoted by antaranews.com.

The MTA Philindo 2025 exercise involves the KRI Lumba-lumba-881 from the Indonesian Navy and the BRP Artemio Ricarte from the Philippine Navy. The training agenda includes various drills such as Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC), and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), along with other at-sea exercises and cultural exchanges.

Head of Operations of Kodaeral VIII welcomed the Philippine Navy warship BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) at the main dock of Satrol Kodaeral VIII in Bitung. This ceremony was part of the joint exercise series, with Commander of the Satrol Kodaeral VIII, Naval Col. (P) Marvill Marfel F. E.D, serving as the Task Force Commander for the MTA Latma Philindo 2025.

The Philippine warship received a festive welcome that included a Merplug (mooring and de-mooring) ceremony performed and followed by the ceremonial draping of flower necklaces on Commander Cdr Abram R Taguinod of the BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37). The welcoming ceremony also featured a traditional Tetengkoren dance performance and a group photo session.

The Philippine delegation was led by Commander Efren Ryan Fajardo, who serves as the Philippine Liaison Officer in Manado, along with a number of other officers and non-commissioned officers. Their arrival marked the beginning of a series of drills that will last until October 3, 2025, with a focus on improving joint maritime operational coordination.

Among the officials present at the welcome ceremony were the Commander of Satrol Kodaeral VIII, the Commander of KRI Lumba-lumba-881, the Heads of Work Units for Kodaeral VIII, members of the Bitung City Forkopimda (Regional Leadership Coordination Forum), Commander of Operations Lorenzo C San Gabriel Jr PN (Tarakan Operations Commander), Sergeant Major Lamberto Angel PN(M) (Marore Operations Commander), and Sergeant Major Ramil DL Diman PN(M) (Miangas Operations Commander). ***