Indonesia Opens The 2nd ASEAN–U.S. Maritime Exercise (AUMX 2025) in Batam, Strengthening Regional Maritime Stability
Nita kusumawati 
Newscyber.id l Batam, Indonesia — The Secretary General of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Lieutenant General TNI Tri Budi Utomo, officially opened The 2nd ASEAN–U.S. Maritime Exercise (AUMX 2025) in Batam on Wednesday (December 9, 2025). The exercise aims to enhance maritime cooperation, confidence-building, and interoperability among ASEAN member states and the United States.
This year’s exercise brings together major naval assets from participating nations, signaling a shared commitment to maintaining regional maritime security. Indonesia, as co-host, deployed KRI John Lie-358 along with one Bell 4203 helicopter. The United States took part with USS Cincinnati-20 and one unmanned aerial system. Other ASEAN countries contributed their principal assets, including Brunei Darussalam’s KDB Darulaman, Malaysia’s KD Lekir-26, Myanmar’s Kyan Sit Thar (F-12), the Philippines’ BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), Singapore’s RSS Vigour-92, and Vietnam’s VPNS-09. Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Timor-Leste participated by sending Augmented Staff personnel.
In his opening remarks, Lt. Gen. Tri Budi warmly welcomed delegates from ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the United States delegation led by the Vice Commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, Honourable Rear Admiral Katie Sheldon. He expressed pride in Batam’s selection as host of this significant event.
“It is a great honor to welcome all of you and host the Opening Ceremony of The 2nd ASEAN–U.S. Maritime Exercise (AUMX 2025) here in Batam,” he stated.
He emphasized Batam’s strategic relevance and its deep maritime heritage, making it an ideal venue for a multinational naval exercise of this scale.
AUMX 2025 builds upon the success of the inaugural exercise held in 2019, reaffirming the collective commitment of ASEAN and the United States to safeguard peace, security, and maritime stability in the region. The Secretary General also expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of ASEAN and U.S. teams throughout the preparation phase.
Lt. Gen. Tri Budi underscored that AUMX represents more than just naval operational integration — it is a vital platform for strengthening trust, enhancing mutual understanding, sharing knowledge, and improving coordinated response capabilities among navies.
“Today’s event demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing stronger maritime cooperation. Through this exercise, we reaffirm our collective resolve to uphold maritime stability and ensure our region remains peaceful and secure,” he stressed.
As co-host, Indonesia’s participation in AUMX 2025 highlights its central role in advancing defense and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, aligned with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The exercise focuses on promoting real-time multilateral information-sharing and coordinated responses to maritime incidents in accordance with international law, including principles of freedom of navigation.
Lt. Gen. Tri Budi concluded with hopes that all planned activities will run effectively, productively, and contribute meaningfully to regional maritime security. (Nita)
