Indonesian Navy and U.S. Navy Hold Submarine Staff Talks

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and the U.S. Navy reinforced their bilateral cooperation in the submarine sector through the Submarine Staff Talks. It took place from September 15 to 17, 2026, in Surabaya, East Java.

As quoted from tni.mil.id on Sunday, September 20, 2026, the activity served as a forum for exchanging knowledge and experience, while also discussing opportunities to develop cooperation in enhancing submarine capabilities, safety, and rescue operations.

The Indonesian Navy delegation was led by Lieutenant Colonel (Navy) Asrul Arasad, Director of Operations of the Submarine Operations Command, while the U.S. Navy delegation was led by Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Yannick Munyakyanza of Commander Task Force 74 (CTF-74).

During the meeting, the two delegations discussed various aspects of submarine capabilities, including the organization and capabilities of Submarine Emergency Rescue (SMER), submarine rescue and escape capabilities, submarine tactics, as well as submarine safety certification and quality assurance.

In addition to exchanging knowledge and experience, the two navies discussed opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the submarine sector, which could initially be carried out through Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) and gradually developed into joint training activities. Such cooperation is part of efforts to enhance mutual understanding, build trust, and strengthen interoperability between the two navies.

The series of activities also included a visit by the U.S. Navy delegation to the KRI Nanggala-402 Monument to pay tribute to the crew members of KRI Nanggala-402 who lost their lives while on duty and are now on Eternal Patrol. The visit continued to the Surabaya Submarine Monument as part of an effort to introduce the history and service of the Indonesian Navy’s submarine force.

Synergy through the exchange of knowledge, capability development, and expanded cooperation is expected to support the professionalism and readiness of both navies in addressing various challenges in the undersea domain.

On a separate occasion, Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff (Kasal) Admiral Muhammad Ali urged all Indonesian Navy personnel to continuously improve their capabilities in order to develop professional, modern, and globally competitive personnel, while also serving as an inspiration and motivation to their fellow service members.