Jakarta's Seskoal Naval Base hosted the official opening ceremony for Exercise Bhakti Kanyini AusIndo 2025 (BKA25). This multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) training activity is taking place in Indonesia from October 20 to 31.
Attended by senior defence and diplomatic representatives from Australia, Indonesia, Timor-Leste and the United States, the exercise aims to develop relationships and enhance interoperability between the militaries of participating and observer nations. It also includes a wide range of Indonesian and Australian governmental and non-governmental organisations to improve preparedness and response to natural and humanitarian disasters in Indonesia and across the region.
The senior Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) representative, Air Commodore Taufiq Arasj, said BKA25 was an extremely important training activity for improving collective HADR responses in times of need.
"BKA25 not only strengthens multinational cooperation between military and civilian institutions, but also reinforces our common commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in helping protect and serve our communities," Air Commodore Taufiq Arasj said.
The air commodore's opening remarks were echoed by senior ADF representative Commodore David Landon, who said BKA25 was a strong demonstration of shared commitment to regional stability and improving humanitarian and disaster assistance response.
"BKA25 is more than a joint military exercise. It is a test for government and society. It brings together our armed forces, emergency services, health professionals and local civilian authorities," Commodore Landon said.
'Your mission is not just to restore infrastructure - but to restore lives and support communities.'
In his address, he highlighted three key themes that will guide participants throughout the exercise: interoperability, a community-centric response, and safety first.
"We must continue to improve our communication and coordination of our HADR response. The ability to act as a cohesive force is critical," Commodore Landon said.
"Your mission is not just to restore infrastructure - but to restore lives and support communities.
"Above all, the safety of our personnel and the communities we serve is paramount."
Australia's senior diplomatic representative, Deputy Head of Mission Gita Kamath, reinforced the vital nature of real-world preparedness to respond to catastrophic events.
"It is now more important than ever to maintain our skills and build our resilience and readiness, and this joint exercise will help us to do this," Ms Kamath said.
The exercise is being conducted in two phases: an academic and tabletop activity in Jakarta, followed by a field training exercise in Bayah, in Java's Banten Province.
About 40 ADF personnel are participating, joined by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Civil-Military Centre and the Disaster Assistance Response Team. They will be training side-by-side with their Indonesian, Timor-Leste and US counterparts to build partnerships and enhance interoperability.
