REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PADANG -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed hope that the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) would help to strengthen Indonesia's maritime culture.
The non-combat exercise would also boost cooperation among navies of the countries in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Jokowi stated in his opening remarks at the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2016 held to coincide with the biennial MNEK 2016 here, Tuesday.
The delegations of the Komodo Exercise 2016 are scheduled to organize humanitarian activities such as free medical services and assistance to construct public facilities and infrastructure.
"This exercise is also expected to promote common understanding on the protection of marine natural resources, regional cooperation, and the improvement of human resources in the maritime sector," the head of state affirmed.
One of the most difficult wars is the quest to win humanity, he pointed out.
"In fact, a non-combat military operation should not be underestimated," he remarked.
Humanitarian operations, particularly for carrying out disaster mitigation efforts at sea as well as Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, need preparedness, speed, and adequate resources, he stated.
"Such operations will be optimal if they are not carried out alone. We need cooperation of other countries, especially the navies from countries stretching from the Pacific Ocean to Indian Ocean," he said.
Therefore, Jokowi expressed his support to the implementation of the MNEK 2016.
The Komodo Exercise is part of the Indonesian Navy's defense diplomacy during peace time aimed at promoting common understanding on tolerance and transparency among navies of various countries.
The Indonesian Navy is hosting the MNEK 2016 coinciding with the IFR 2016 and the 15th Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Padang and Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra Province from April 12 to 16, 2016.
Fifteen foreign countries have sent their 20 warships to participate in the events.
The participating countries are Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the United States, Japan, France, Russia, China, Sri Lanka, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam.
As the host country, Indonesia has deployed 28 warships.
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