Head of the Indonesian Navy's (TNI-AL's) Information Office, Commodore I Made Wira Hady Arsanta Wardhana, said that the navy organized welcoming ceremonies for the four ships to strengthen military ties with France and Australia.
In a statement released in Jakarta on Wednesday, he disclosed that the three French frigates arrived in Bali on Tuesday (January 28, 2025).
They are FNS Forbin (D620), led by Captain Aurelie Leiuffre; FNS Provence (D652), under the command of Captain Lionel Siegfried; and FNS Alsace (D656), which is under Captain Jerome Henry.
"The three French frigates are here for a routine visit from January 28 to February 3, 2025. Their agenda includes a crew change, tourism activities, and ship maintenance," he informed.
After wrapping up their Bali visit, the vessels will sail to different destinations. FNS Forbin and FNS Provence will head to Manila, the Philippines, whereas FNS Alsace is scheduled to leave for the Okinawa Islands, Japan.
Meanwhile, Australian battleship HMAS Hobart (DDG 39), commanded by Captain Alisha Withers, arrived at the east dock of Benoa Port on Sunday (January 26).
Wardhana said that the welcoming ceremonies proceeded smoothly and expressed the hope that the visit of the naval vessels would help solidify military relations between Indonesia, France, and Australia.
He also highlighted the possibility of Indonesia inviting Australia or France to conduct a joint military drill, exchange soldiers for educational purposes, and transfer defense technologies.
Since Tuesday, another French vessel, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, has been docked at Gili Mas Port in West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara province.
Translator: Walda M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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