Indonesia, US join naval exercise to boost maritime ties
The naval forces of the United States and Indonesia kicked off a joint exercise called the 2015 Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) to boost their maritime cooperation.
Ships of the US Navy are participating in a composite training unit exercise. (Photo: U.S. Navy)
The naval forces of the United States and Indonesia kicked off a joint exercise called the 2015 Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) to boost their maritime cooperation and maintain stability in the Southeast Asia region.
Spokesperson of the Indonesian Navy Lieutenant Colonel Maman Sulaeman said the joint naval training, which takes place from August 3 to 10 on the ground in Surabaya and in the waters and airspace of the Java and Bali Seas, plays an important role, not only to improve the naval forces’ professionalism but also to strengthen the bilateral relations between Indonesia and the United States.
It features simultaneous amphibious landings, surface and anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations and an anti-air warfare missile live fire training exercise.
Indonesia has participated in the CARAT since 1995.
The training is part of a broader bilateral exercises series the US Navy conducts with nine partner💜s in South and Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste, to address shared maritime⛄ security priorities and strengthen maritime partnership among participating forces.-VNA
A hospital ship of the Vietnam People’s Army left Cam Ranh port in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa on March 25 to join the Komodo multilateral naval exercise in Indonesia.
Two vessels of the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) arrived at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang city on April 16, beginning a visit to share experience and enhance cooperation with Vietnam’s navy.
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with a US Pacific Fleet officer and an Asian Development Bank (ADB) executive in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 21, stressing Vietnam’s appreciation of its partnership with the two sides.
The Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy anchored at Tien Sa port on July 31, beginning their goodwill visit to the central city of Da Nang through August 2.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Ships of the US Navy are participating in a composite training unit exercise. (Photo: U.S. Navy)
