VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: For the first time in history, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) is set to hold joint military exercises with the Russian Navy in a collaboration known as Latihan Bersama (Latma) Orruda 2024. This groundbreaking exercise is scheduled to take place at the Indonesian Navy’s Fleet Command II (Koarmada II) in Surabaya from November 4 to 8, 2024.

Latma Orruda 2024 is the result of an agreement reached during the inaugural Navy-to-Navy Talks (NTNT) between the TNI AL and Russian Navy, held in 2018. The name "Orruda" is a combination of the national symbols of both countries: Orel (the Russian eagle) and Garuda (Indonesia's national emblem), symbolizing the strong and growing collaboration between the two naval forces. "This exercise marks a historic milestone in the military relationship between Indonesia and Russia, particularly in the maritime domain," a senior TNI AL official stated on Tuesday (October 22, 2024).

The exercise will encompass a series of War Military Operations (OMP) scenarios, divided into two phases: the Harbor Phase and the Sea Phase. The Indonesian Navy will deploy several of its leading defense assets, including the KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332, KRI Frans Kaisiepo-368, and the AS 565 MBE helicopter. On the Russian side, the Russian Navy will field Corvet Class warships such as the RF Soversheny, RF Gromky, RF Aldar Tsydenzhapov, as well as a medium tanker, a KA-27 helicopter, and the Tug Salvage Alatau rescue vessel.

This joint exercise aims to enhance military cooperation between the two nations and improve the operational capabilities of both navies in maintaining regional security and stability. "The exercise is expected to strengthen interoperability and further solidify military relations between the Indonesian Navy and the Russian Navy," the official added.

In a separate statement, the Chief of Naval Staff (Kasal), Admiral Dr. Muhammad Ali, underscored the importance of thorough preparation by the entire TNI AL ahead of the Latma Orruda 2024 exercise. “I expect all personnel to give their utmost in this mission and ensure that the exercise is conducted according to plan,” emphasized Admiral Ali.

As outlined in an official statement, joint exercises like Latma Orruda 2024 are part of the Indonesian Navy's broader efforts to enhance the capacity and professionalism of its personnel, particularly in addressing maritime security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, this exercise serves as a significant symbol of the deepening military cooperation between Indonesia and Russia in recent years. It is hoped that through this collaboration, both countries will be able to work more closely in safeguarding peace and maritime security, not only in Southeast Asia but also in international waters.

Source: tni.mil.id.