Indonesian Navy Holds Passing Exercises with Japan, China, and U.S.

Indonesia's Navy (TNI AL) has engaged in routine limited passing exercises (passex) with naval forces from Japan, China, and the U.S. Seventh Fleet, according to Navy Information Service Head Laksma Tunggul. These exercises, which included the KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332, followed the TNI AL's participation in Exercise Orruda 2026 in Vladivostok, Russia. Tunggul clarified that the passex is a common international naval activity, emphasizing its purpose is not combat but rather to build camaraderie, trust, and good relations among participating nations. He stated that the exercises serve to support Indonesia's maritime diplomacy and align with the government's active and free foreign policy, which encourages cooperation with all countries. The TNI AL views these engagements as a reflection of Indonesia's commitment to strengthening friendships and contributing to global maritime security, stability, and peace. Despite a protest from Taiwan regarding the exercises' proximity to its territory, the TNI AL maintains that the passex is a standard diplomatic and goodwill initiative, not a military threat.