Jakarta (ANTARA) – A joint exercise between Indonesian Army and Australian Army, called Wirra Jaya Ausindo 2026, served as a platform to strengthen bilateral ties and defense cooperation between the two nations.
“This joint exercise is not only focused on enhancing and testing soldiers’ capabilities, but also serves as a platform to strengthen bilateral relations and defense cooperation between the two countries,” Colonel Mahmud, Assistant for Operations to the Chief of Staff of Military Command IV/Diponegoro, said in his remarks at the closing ceremony of the Wirra Jaya Ausindo 2026 in Semarang, Central Java, on Friday (Oct 9).
Mahmud noted the conclusion of the 2026 joint exercise did not mark the end of the spirit of cooperation and friendship between Indonesian and the Australian army.
Furthermore, he urged the experience could be used for evaluation purposes to improve the quality of similar exercises in the future.
“It is hoped the knowledge, skills, and experience during the exercise can be applied within their respective units to bolster capabilities and strengthen relations between the two nations,” he said.
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On that occasion, he also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to all participants for their dedication, professionalism, and contributions in achieving the goals and fostering closer cooperative ties during the joint exercise.
Meanwhile, the Australian Army Attaché Colonel David Gandy assess the soldiers had demonstrated the Australian Army’s core values, which are service, courage, respect, integrity, and excellence.
Gandy stated the the joint military exercise served as a vital means of building solid teamwork while strengthening relationships among personnel from both armies.
Wirra Jaya Ausindo 2026 is a strategic collaboration between selected soldiers from the Indonesian and Australian army which held from September 18 to October 9 in Semarang, Central Java.
It involved approximately 125 Indonesian Army soldiers and 77 Australian Army personnel.
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Translator: Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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