JAKARTA, Aug 29 (Bernama) — The Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) and the Indonesian Naval Force (TNI AL) today commenced a joint exercise to improve professionalism and strengthen cooperation.

Dubbed ‘Malindo Jaya 26AB/22’, the exercise took place in Surabaya, East Java, and was officiated by the Commander of the TNI AL Fleet II, Rear Admiral Hutabarat.

The inauguration of the six-day exercise, which will conclude on September 3, was also attended by the Commander of the TLDM Western Fleet, Vice Admiral Datuk Abu Bakar Mohd Ajis.

In a statement, Hutabarat said the exercise will improve bilateral relations between the two countries and the navy as well as improve the tactics, techniques and combat operations procedures.

The exercise involve TLDM warships, namely KD Sri Indera Sakti-1503 and KD Leiku-30, while vessels on the Indonesian side are the KRI R.E. Martadinata-331, KRI Tombak-629, and Panther helicopters.

At the event, Abu Bakar visited the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine monument to pay tribute to its 53 crew members who had performed their duties.

KRI Nanggala-402 lost contact on April 21, 2021, while conducting torpedo firing exercises in the Bali Sea and was declared sunk on 24 April, 2021, by TNI AL after the discovery of its wreckage.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency