Bali is set to host MNEK 2025 (Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo), an international naval exercise scheduled from February 15 to 22, 2025.
MNEK is a non-combat military exercise organized by the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) to foster maritime cooperation among friendly nations. This year’s event will see participation from 58 countries, featuring 34 foreign warships and 18 Indonesian Navy warships (KRI).
Commander of the Denpasar Naval Base, Colonel Endra Kusuma, S.T., M.Tr.Opsla., M.Han., highlighted that MNEK represents Indonesia’s maritime diplomacy efforts to maintain regional and global stability.
“The Indonesian Navy has a responsibility, one of which is diplomacy, supporting Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy. We do not align with any specific bloc and strive to engage with all parties,” said Colonel Endra Kusuma, as quoted by RRI.
President Prabowo Subianto Scheduled to Attend MNEK 2025
Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral Muhammad Ali, confirmed that President Prabowo Subianto is expected to attend the event and personally inspect both domestic and foreign warships during the fifth edition of the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo.
“We have proposed his (Prabowo Subianto’s) presence, particularly for the fleet review, where he will inspect warships from various participating nations. The Defense Minister has also expressed his intent to attend,” said Admiral Ali during an event at the Naval Command and Staff College (Seskoal) in Jakarta, as reported by AntaraNews.
The series of MNEK 2025 activities will commence with an opening ceremony on February 15, 2025, at Benoa Harbor, Bali. Following this, a fleet review is planned for February 16, 2025, where participating nations will showcase their naval capabilities, including warships, helicopters, and aircraft.
According to Admiral Ali, most preparations for MNEK have been completed smoothly. He expressed optimism that the international joint exercise, to be held in the Badung Strait and the northern waters of Bali, will proceed successfully.
MNEK 2025 Welcomes 58 Countries
First launched in 2014, MNEK is a biennial non-combat exercise aimed at enhancing cooperation and interoperability among Asia-Pacific naval forces in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) operations. It also strengthens partnerships in maintaining maritime security.
The Indonesian Navy has invited 58 countries, with 39 nations, including the host Indonesia, confirming their participation in MNEK 2025. Several countries have also confirmed the deployment of their warships, including:
- Australia, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam, Iran, South Korea, and China, with each sending one warship.
- Russia plans to deploy three ships, while Malaysia, Iran, Singapore, and India will send two ships each.
Other participating nations include Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Fiji, Iraq, Italy, Kenya, Laos, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, and Qatar.
MNEK activities will include base and sea-phase exercises, officer exchange forums (SMEE), bilateral meetings between naval forces, the International Maritime Security Symposium (IMSS), a defense exhibition, and cultural parades in Bali.
Additionally, a civic action program called the Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP) will run in Antiga Kelod Village, Karangasem, Bali, for 45 days starting January 1. This initiative includes renovating fishermen’s storage facilities, building sanitation facilities, and paving a one-kilometer road.
The Medical Civic Assistance Program (MEDCAP) will provide healthcare services such as general health checkups, dental checkups, blood donation drives, mass circumcision, cataract surgery, and cleft lip surgery for Karangasem residents. These services will be offered aboard the hospital ship KRI Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991, docked at Tanah Ampo Pier on February 17, 2025.
MNEK 2025: Boosting Bali’s Economy and Global Security
Ni Nyoman Cahayawati, S.E., M.Si., Head of National Vigilance and Regional Conflict Management at Bali’s National Unity and Political Agency, emphasized that MNEK will significantly contribute to Bali’s economy.
“MNEK 2025 not only promotes tourism but also contributes to national resilience, international security cooperation, and regional stability. Furthermore, it supports MSME development and disaster management efforts,” said Cahayawati.
MNEK 2025 stands as a vital platform for strengthening maritime cooperation among nations while showcasing Indonesia’s commitment to ensuring regional and global maritime security.
Source: rri.co.id, antaranews.com
Special Photo Credit: HO / Istimewa via viva.co.id
