The exercise, held from December 9–13, brought together the United States Navy and ASEAN countries to strengthen maritime cooperation, trust, and interoperability.
“Batam is not only strategically important but also demonstrates Indonesia’s strong maritime heritage, making it an ideal location for this maritime exercise,” Lt. Gen. Tri Budi Utomo, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defense, who opened the event, said.
AUMX-2025 continued the success of the first exercise in 2019, while reaffirming the joint commitment between ASEAN and the US to maintain maritime peace, security, and stability.
As co-host, Indonesia deployed KRI John Lie-358 along with a Bell 4023 helicopter, participating alongside other ASEAN partners and the US, which contributed USS Cincinnati-20 and a drone.
Other ASEAN participants included Brunei (KDB Darulaman), Malaysia (KD Lekir-26), Myanmar (Kyan Sit Thar F-12), the Philippines (BRP Antonio Luna FF-151), Singapore (RSS Vigour-92), and Vietnam (VPNS-09). Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Timor Leste joined with augmented staff.
Utomo explained that AUMX is not just a naval operation but a platform for building trust, sharing knowledge, and enhancing cooperative maritime security.
“Through this exercise, we reaffirm our commitment to maintaining maritime stability and ensuring the region remains peaceful and secure,” he added.
He said Indonesia’s role as co-host highlighted its central position in advancing regional defense and security in line with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
He added that AUMX supports real-time multilateral information sharing and maritime incident response in accordance with international law, including freedom of navigation principles.
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Translator: Laily, Kenzu
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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