Inp.polri.go.id - Bitung. Indonesia and the Philippines have begun joint naval drills under the Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Philindo 2025, aimed at strengthening maritime security and operational coordination in the border region.

“This exercise is expected to reinforce bilateral cooperation while improving the professionalism of both navies in safeguarding stability in the Indonesia–Philippines maritime area,” said Navy Information Officer of Eastern Fleet Command, Lieutenant Colonel Rudi Tandirerung, on Sunday (28/9/2025), as reported by antaranews.com.

The drills involve Indonesian Navy vessel KRI Lumba-lumba-881 and Philippine Navy frigate BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37). Training covers Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), casualty evacuation, maritime domain awareness, and cultural exchanges.

The Philippine warship received a ceremonial welcome in Bitung, complete with military honors and traditional Tetengkoren dance, underscoring close ties between the two nations’ naval forces.

The joint activity, running until 3 October 2025, is led by senior naval commanders from both sides and is part of ongoing regional efforts to maintain maritime stability.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)