Indonesian Navy Clarifies Joint Exercise with Chinese Military: It's an Exchange, Not a Combat Drill

China's Ministry of National Defense announced yesterday that the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) will conduct a passage exercise with the Indonesian Navy in the waters east of Taiwan in mid-August, sparking regional attention. In response, the Indonesian Navy clarified to Central News Agency (CNA) that its vessel, after completing exercises in Russia, will conduct 'Passage Exercises' (PASSEX) with nations along its return route. These exercises are not of a combat nature but are a traditional naval practice when transiting through foreign waters.

On August 11, China's Ministry of National Defense announced that the PLAN frigate Red River (a Type 054A frigate) will conduct a passage exercise with the Indonesian Navy's KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332 (the 'Rai' frigate) in the 'waters east of Taiwan Island.' The exercise will focus on communication drills and underway replenishment operations. The Red River, a commissioned frigate assigned to the Eastern Theater Command, was featured in footage broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV).

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press statement this morning, condemning China for disregarding international norms and responsibilities, further escalating regional tensions. It described China's actions as arbitrary and irresponsible. As a responsible regional stakeholder, Taiwan reaffirmed its consistent stance of defending its sovereignty and will actively safeguard its sovereign rights in the eastern waters of Taiwan. It also pledged to cooperate with regional partners to ensure freedom of navigation and regional security and stability in the relevant waters.

Tunggul, M.Han., Director of the Indonesian Navy's Information Service, responded to CNA today with a statement confirming that the KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332, after concluding exercises in Vladivostok, Russia, will conduct PASSEX with countries along its return journey to Indonesia. Tunggul emphasized that these exercises are inherently non-combat in nature and represent a common naval tradition when transiting through foreign waters.

He stressed that such PASSEX activities are widely conducted friendly exchanges among navies worldwide, aimed at fostering camaraderie and reflecting the maritime diplomacy carried by naval vessels. Indonesia's free and active foreign policy enables mutually beneficial cooperation with any nation, including conducting PASSEX with multiple countries.

A 'Passage Exercise' (PASSEX) is a joint training activity conducted when the navies of two or more countries meet at sea. Its primary purpose is to enhance communication, coordination, and cooperation among naval forces, preparing them for joint rescue operations or maritime security missions. These exercises are standard procedures to build interoperability and mutual understanding among regional navies.