The field training exercise of this year's iteration of Exercise Bhakti Kanyini Ausindo (BKA25) was held in a high-risk natural disaster area.
Held over two weeks in metropolitan Jakarta and rural Bayah on the southern coast of Java Island, Australian and Indonesian defence forces were joined by a wide range of military and disaster relief organisations, including the US Marine Corps, Timor-Leste Defence Force, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Indonesian first responders such as the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
The ADF's senior representative, Brigadier Dean Thompson, said the field training exercise component was a rehearsal of some of the capabilities that Australia could provide in response to natural disasters in Indonesia and the region.
"Australia and Indonesia conduct more than 20 bilateral and multilateral exercises each year," Brigadier Thompson said.
"What makes BKA25 special is the involvement of the national and regional civilian emergency response organisations and, most importantly, the local community."
The hosts, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), trained with the ADF and response partners for two weeks to strengthen capabilities in evacuation, search and life-saving operations for communities affected by disasters.
The TNI's exercise commander, Brigadier General Edi Saputra, said no single institution or country could face disasters alone.
"Disaster management requires synergy, collaboration and cross-national support," Brigadier General Saputra said.
"This area in Bayah, Lebak, Banten was chosen as the field training exercise location due to its high disaster risk.
"According to geological studies, there is the possibility of an earthquake reaching a magnitude of 9.1 on the Richter scale, potentially triggering a tsunami.
"BKA25 serves as a tangible symbol of Indonesia-Australia bilateral cooperation in [humanitarian and disaster relief] HADR management efforts and demonstrates the commitment of both countries to building regional resilience against natural disasters and future humanitarian challenges."
