Indonesian Navy Clarifies Joint Exercise with China's PLA Navy is Routine 'Passing Exercise'

The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has clarified the nature of an upcoming joint exercise with China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy). The drill, set to occur in the waters east of Taiwan in mid-August 2026, involves the Indonesian warship KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332 and will be a "passing exercise."

According to the Head of the Navy Information Service, Laksma Tunggul, this exercise is not a "war-fighting" maneuver. Instead, it is a customary naval tradition observed globally when ships transit through the waters of other nations. Tunggul described it as a "goodwill engagement" and a demonstration of "naval brotherhood and maritime diplomacy."

“

Passing exercise this is also a goodwill engagement that is commonly carried out by the Navy in the world as a form of naval brotherhood and maritime diplomacy that is inherent in warships.

The TNI AL highlighted that this exercise aligns with Indonesia's active and free foreign policy, which encourages beneficial cooperation with all countries. The passing exercise is seen as a standard diplomatic practice among navies worldwide.

“

During the sea crossing of KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332 from Vladivostok, Russia, until returning to the homeland, it will carry out a passing exercise with the countries it will pass through.