JAKARTA, Nov 23 — Marine forces from the US Military and Indonesian National Armed Forces are holding a 15-day Keris Marine Exercise (MAREX) that will end this Friday, the US Embassy in Jakarta said.
In a statement, it said the inaugural bilateral exercise is being held at the Piabung training area, in Pesawaran, Lampung, to promote military interoperability and maritime domain awareness capabilities.
Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia communication strategy and operations director, Captain Larry Boyd said the exercise develops bilateral problem-solving techniques and forges bonds of friendship.
“Most importantly, though, in today’s environment, when the world sometimes seems to be facing one crisis after another, exercises like Keris MAREX have become increasingly important.
“This exercise highlights the strength and stability of the US-Indonesia relationship and promotes a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” he said.
At least 180 US Marines, and 260 Korps Marinir Republik Indonesia from the 7th Marine Battalion, have trained closely together throughout this year’s Keris MAREX.
