On September 20, in Jakarta, Malaysia’s Navy dispatched a vessel to participate in the ASEAN Solidarity Exercise held in Batam, Indonesia, from September 18 to September 25. The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) shared that the exercise’s primary objectives are to bolster humanitarian aid, disaster relief, civil-military cooperation, search and rescue operations, and maritime security efforts.

KD Terengganu is presently stationed in Batam for this eight-day exercise, spanning the Natuna Sea and Sabang Mawang, Riau, as reported by MAF through a Facebook post.

Indonesia’s host Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) contributed two naval vessels (KRI), specifically KRI dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat-992 and KRI Jhon Lie-358. Additionally, the Republic of Singapore Ship (RSS) Vigour and the Royal Brunei Ship (KDB) Darul Ehsan are also actively participating.

Other ASEAN nations, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, are partaking in an observer capacity.

During the opening ceremony in Batam on Tuesday, MAF Chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman was in attendance. The ceremony was officiated by Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Admiral Yudo Margono. General Mohammad expressed his optimism that the exercise would uphold unity among ASEAN countries and safeguard their central role in the region.

Yudo, who proposed this exercise during the 20th ASEAN Chief of Defence Forces Meeting in Bali on 7 June, articulated that “This exercise will strengthen and enhance our capabilities in maintaining peace, prosperity, and security in the region.”