The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) successfully concluded Exercise Joint Minex Pandu 2024, enhancing their joint capabilities to counter underwater threats through coordinated operations and professional exchanges.
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) concluded Exercise Joint Minex Pandu on May 19, 2024. The exercise, held from May 14 to 19 in Batam and the waters off Bintan, focused on mine-countermeasure (MCM) and clearance diving operations, enhancing both navies’ ability to counter underwater threats together.
This year’s exercise involved over 230 personnel from the RSN and TNI AL. The RSN participated with two Bedok-class Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCMVs), RSS Bedok and RSS Punggol, and personnel from the Naval Diving Unit. The TNI AL contributed with two Pulau Fani-class Minehunters, KRI Pulau Fani and KRI Pulau Fanildo, along with a dive team. The exercise included professional exchanges on mine-hunting, clearance diving techniques, and ship-boarding, as well as coordinated MCM operations against simulated mine threats, diving operations, and live gunnery firing.
The opening ceremony on May 14, 2024, at the 4th Batam Main Naval Base, was officiated by TNI AL 4th Batam Main Naval Base Commander, First-Admiral Tjatur Soniarto, and RSN Deputy Commander MSTF, Colonel Chan Yeng Seng, Michael-John. In his opening remarks, COL Chan emphasized the strong bilateral friendship between the RSN and TNI AL, noting that their collaboration extends beyond this exercise to numerous professional exchanges, exercises, and visits. He highlighted that many years of close cooperation and strong friendships have fostered a high level of mutual trust and interoperability between the two navies.
The RSN and TNI AL regularly engage in professional exchanges, exercises, and visits, and collaborate through the Coordinated Patrol Indonesia-Singapore (CORPAT INDOSIN). Additionally, their other bilateral exercise, Exercise Eagle Indopura, is the Singapore Armed Forces’ longest-running bilateral exercise with a foreign military. These activities underscore the close and long-standing defense relationship between Singapore and Indonesia.
Source – MINDEF
