THE INDONESIAN NAVY'S PARTICIPATION IN MULTINATIONAL NAVAL EXERCISES (2012–2024)

Abstract

Since 2012, the Indonesian Navy has increasingly participated in multinational naval exercises, marking a shift in its defense diplomacy approach. However, there is a limited understanding of how this participation has evolved and its driving factors. This research examines the evolution of the Indonesian Navy’s participation in multinational naval exercises from 2012 to 2024 and identifies the external and internal factors behind these changes. Using comparative analysis of data from official documents, media reports, and academic journals, this study focuses on shifts in participation patterns over three distinct periods. The findings indicate that the Indonesian Navy has expanded its involvement geographically, progressed from participant to exercise host, and balanced its participation in exercises with competing powers, demonstrating its strategic use of naval exercises as a tool for defense diplomacy. These changes were driven by external factors (great power relations, maritime security conditions, ASEAN architecture evolution) and internal factors (strategic policy changes and naval organizational development). The Indonesian Navy should maintain balanced relations with major powers through naval exercises, develop maritime operation procedures, enhance exercise planning capabilities, and strengthen professional cooperation while respecting each country’s sensitivities.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Outstanding ThesisLieutenant Commander, Indonesian Nav