"The opening is on June 5, 2023, and will be opened by President Joko Widodo," Makassar Navy Base VI Commander Brigadier General Amir Kasman said here on Sunday.
He said MNEK is a non-war exercise that prioritizes maritime cooperation in the region, disaster mitigation, and humanitarian operations.
The drill is aimed to strengthen cooperation between the Indonesian Navy and friendly countries such as the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Netherlands, the Philippines, Pakistan, Singapore, Russia, Thailand, Timor Leste, and the United Kingdom.
This year's MNEK is themed "Partnership to Recover And to Rise Stronger", which is expected to increase interoperability among navies, especially in responding to natural disasters and maintaining maritime security and stability.
In addition to the joint exercise, other activities will also be held, such as the Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP), the Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP), and fun diving.
There will also be a monument inauguration, a city parade, a fun bike, a city tour, a culinary program, a maritime exhibition, the spouse program, the water taxi, to sailing passes from the participating countries.
"The first MNEK was held in Batam in 2014, the second in Padang in 2016, the third in Lombok in 2018, and the fourth this year in the Makassar Strait," Kasman said.
According to him, the Navy Headquarters has prepared the programs for the four-day exercise. It was revealed that the cadets from the Surabaya Naval Academy (AAL) will join the city parade on June 6.
Meanwhile, the MEDCAP social activity will target island residents on Barrang Lompo Island, Barrang Caddi, Bonetambu Island, Lumu-lumu Island, Langkai Island, Lanjukang Island, and Kodingareng Island.
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Translator: Hasanuddin, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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