Indonesia Strengthens Indo-Pacific Security Role Through RIMPAC 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has reinforced its commitment to regional maritime security by taking part in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026 in Hawaii, showcasing the country's military capabilities while strengthening defense cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

In a press statement confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C. noted that the world’s largest multinational military exercise involved 30 warships, six submarines, around 200 aircraft, and thousands of personnel from 31 countries.

Indonesia deployed 37 elite Marines from the Navy’s Jalamangkara Detachment, Marine Corps Battalion 1 Jakarta, Battalion 2 Surabaya, and Battalion 3 Sorong.

The contingent was led by Lt. Col. Huda Prawira Soemarto, Commander of the Marine Corps Special Training Center, accompanied by Lt. Col. Eko Triyatmono, Commander of KRI Sultan Hasanuddin-366.

Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Indroyono Soesilo observed the exercise on July 7, joined by Defense Attaché Air Vice Marshal Yose Ridha and Political Affairs Coordinator Fahmi Ali Sarosa.

The delegation also witnessed a survival-at-sea simulation performed by Indonesian Marines. U.S. Marine Corps exercise commander Col. McDonald praised the Indonesian troops’ swimming skills and endurance, describing them as highly distinguished during the drills.

Throughout the training at the USMC Bellows Training Area and surrounding Honolulu, Indonesian Marines engaged in fast rope drills, marksmanship, close-quarters combat tactics, multinational joint operation simulations, and tropical jungle survival exercises.

The latter drew particular attention from participants, recognized as a distinctive strength of Indonesian forces accustomed to operating in tropical environments.

“RIMPAC is not only a platform to enhance combat readiness but also to strengthen interoperability among armed forces worldwide," the embassy stated, as quoted by Antara.

"Effective cooperation is a vital asset in addressing maritime security challenges, humanitarian operations, and disaster response in the Indo-Pacific,” the statement added.

The embassy further noted that Indonesia’s participation reinforces strategic ties with the United States and partner nations under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Major Defense Cooperation Partnership frameworks, while reaffirming Indonesia’s commitment to regional peace and stability.

“Through active involvement in RIMPAC 2026, Indonesia reasserts its position as an archipelagic nation with the capacity, experience, and strong commitment to safeguarding regional maritime security,” the statement concluded. ***