Jakarta (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — In a collaborative effort to enhance maritime capabilities, the Indonesian Navy’s KRI Diponegoro-365, part of the Maritime Task Force (MTF) Contingent XXVIII-O UNIFIL, hosted training exercises for the Lebanese Navy.
The stage at sea training, a program initiated by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Maritime Task Force, aimed at honing the skills of the Lebanese Navy personnel for effective operations at sea.
According to a statement from the Indonesian Navy’s Public Relations Office (Dispenal) in Jakarta on Monday, Commander of KRI Diponegoro-365 and Commander of MTF TNI XXVIII-O UNIFIL, Wirastyo, mentioned that the training spanned over two days and encompassed various aspects including ship familiarization, navigation, advanced maneuvering exercises, helicopter operations, damage control, and boarding operations.
Wirastyo highlighted that besides fulfilling the UN mandate, the exercise also served as an opportunity to strengthen the bond between the Lebanese Navy and the Indonesian Navy.
KRI Diponegoro, deployed as part of the MTF TNI Contingent Garuda XXVIII/O UNIFIL, has been stationed in Lebanon since early 2024, taking over from KRI Frans Kaisiepo-368. The deployment transitioned smoothly from late 2023, continuing Indonesia’s commitment to peacekeeping efforts in the region.
The Garuda Contingent Maritime Task Force, comprising solely of Indonesian Navy personnel, operates within the larger UNIFIL peacekeeping mission, tasked with maintaining peace along the Lebanon-Israel border. Alongside other units such as the Indonesian Battalion Mechanized Task Force (INDOBATT) and various support units, the MTF plays a crucial role in safeguarding the area.
While most Indonesian personnel operate on land, the MTF focuses on maritime operations, conducting patrols, preventing illegal arms trafficking, and providing training for the Lebanese Navy.
The joint training exercises not only contribute to the operational readiness of both navies but also foster cooperation and mutual understanding in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
