Indonesian-Singapore Navies Launch Joint Minehunting Exercise

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and the Singapore Navy are now preparing to sweep for underwater explosives. These two neighboring countries will conduct special mine-hunting combat exercises in the strategic waters from Batam to Bintan.

Commander of the II Fleet Command (Pangkoarmada), Rear Admiral I Gung Putu Alit Jaya directly led the final preparation meeting for the Joint Minex Pandu 2026 exercise in Surabaya, East Java, on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. In the meeting, the Commander of the Mine Countermeasure Squadron (Dansatran) of Fleet Command II, Colonel (Navy) M. Sati Lubis, presented the major operational plan involving the mine-hunting ships of both countries.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and Singapore chose a location that is very vital for global shipping, namely Singapore and the eastern waters of Bintan and Batam Islands. Their main focus is to enhance cooperative relations and sharpen the soldiers' skills in facing the dynamics of maritime threats in the region.

The TNI AL and Singapore Navy soldiers will undergo two main phases. First, they will conduct the harbor phase to refine tactics on land. Second, they will carry out the sea phase to practice mine-hunting in actual underwater conditions.

The Head of the Information Service (Kadispen) of Koarmada II, Colonel of the Navy (P) Antonius Februar, stated that this mine warfare operation will enhance the soldiers' capabilities.

"The soldiers will master mine warfare operations and enhance their capabilities in mine diving operations and explosive ordnance disposal," said the Head of the Information Service (Kadispen) of Koarmada II, Colonel (Navy) Antonius Februar in his statement, quoted on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.

Not only that, this exercise also strengthens communication and coordination capabilities between ships or interoperability. The goal is for both navies to work cohesively and understand each other when carrying out joint security missions.