Jakarta, indomaritim.com – Indonesia and Australia strengthened disaster response cooperation through the Pacific Partnership 2026 joint exercise in Sibolga, North Sumatra, from July 20 to Aug. 1, bringing together military and civilian agencies from several partner countries.
According to Antara News Agency, the exercise involved 113 specialists from Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United States working alongside Indonesian authorities to deliver humanitarian services while improving regional disaster preparedness and interoperability, the Australian Embassy in Jakarta said in a statement on Friday.
Australia deployed the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Choules in support of the exercise, continuing its participation in Pacific Partnership since 2008 through the deployment of medical teams, disaster response specialists, and naval assets.
During the mission, HMAS Choules hosted representatives from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), Ministry of Home Affairs, National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), and National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).
The meetings explored opportunities to expand bilateral civilian cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
Chief of Joint Operations Australia Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO, CSC, RAN, said the two countries have a long history of supporting one another during times of crisis.
“Australia and Indonesia have a long history of helping each other when needed. Sibolga also holds special historical significance because of its proximity to and support for Operation Sumatra Assist II in 2025,” Jones said.
According to the embassy, Pacific Partnership 2026 advances three priorities under Australia’s 2026 National Defence Strategy: strengthening regional partnerships, enhancing humanitarian assistance and disaster response preparedness, and improving personnel readiness to support stability across the Indo-Pacific.
Commanding Officer of HMAS Choules Commander Paul Hardman said the vessel plays a critical role in the Australian Defence Force’s ability to rapidly deploy personnel and essential equipment throughout the Indo-Pacific.
“The experience and relationships we build through Pacific Partnership 2026 will ensure we are better prepared to face shared challenges across the region in the future,” Hardman said.
Separately, Sibolga City Head Akhmad Syukri Nazry Penarik thanked the Indonesian Military (TNI) and international delegations for selecting the city as the venue for the humanitarian exercise.
He said the program provided valuable practical experience through hospital disaster response simulations, school-based disaster education, and tactical emergency drills involving maritime collision scenarios. (Edo)
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