Jendelasulut.com — A warm and friendly atmosphere colored the Main Pier of Satrol Kodaeral VIII, Bitung, on Sunday, September 28, as the Naval Regional Command (Kodaeral) VIII welcomed the arrival of the Philippine Navy warship, BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37). The arrival of the warship is part of the series of the Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Philindo 2025 Joint Exercise between the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and the Philippine Navy.
The Assistant for Operations (Asops) of Dankodaeral VIII, representing the Commander of Kodaeral VIII, First Admiral (Laksda) TNI Dery Triesananto Suhendi, S.E., M.Tr.Opsla., officially welcomed the Philippine Navy delegation led by Commander Efren Ryan Fajardo, Philippine Liaison Officer in Manado, along with several other officers and non-commissioned officers.
A Captivating Welcoming Ceremony
The arrival of BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) was greeted with a lively merplug procession by soldiers from Satrol and Yonmarhanlan VIII. The atmosphere was enlivened by a performance of the traditional Tetengkoren dance that captivated the invited guests. The Commander of BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), Cdr Abram R Taguinod, received a flower garland as a symbol of respect and friendship. A group photo session became an important moment to capture the intimacy between the two navies.
MTA Philindo 2025 Joint Exercise: Enhancing Maritime Cooperation
The MTA Philindo 2025 Joint Exercise, which will last until October 3, 2025, aims to improve joint maritime operation coordination between the Indonesian Navy and the Philippine Navy. This exercise involves KRI Lumba-lumba-881 from the Indonesian Navy and BRP Artemio Ricarte from the Philippine Navy. The training materials to be carried out include Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), as well as various exercises at sea and cultural exchanges.
Commander Efren Ryan Fajardo conveyed that this Joint Exercise is a manifestation of the two countries’ commitment to maintaining maritime security stability in the Indonesia-Philippines border region. “We hope that this exercise can improve the professionalism of soldiers from both countries in facing various challenges at sea,” he said.
Synergy for Regional Stability
The MTA Philindo 2025 Joint Exercise is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines, especially in the field of maritime security. This exercise is also an important momentum to increase interoperability between the Indonesian Navy and the Philippine Navy in maintaining stability and security in the border region.
The welcoming ceremony was also attended by a number of important officials, including Dansatrol Kodaeral VIII, Commander of KRI Lumba-lumba-881, the Heads of Kodaeral VIII units, elements of the Forkopimda of Bitung City, Operations Commander Lorenzo C San Gabriel Jr PN (Tarakan Operations Commander), Sergeant Major Lamberto Angel PN(M) (Marore Operations Commander), Sergeant Major Ramil DL Diman PN(M) (Miangas Operations Commander), as well as other invited guests.
With a spirit of togetherness and friendship, the MTA Philindo 2025 Joint Exercise is expected to make a positive contribution to maritime security stability in the region and strengthen relations between Indonesia and the Philippines.
