Jakarta, Indonesia - Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson visited Indonesia October 30, reaffirming the U.S. Navy’s commitment to the strategic partnership.
During the visit, Richardson met with The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) Adm. Siwi Sukma Adji and discussed opportunities to strengthen the U.S. and Indonesian relationship through more combined at-sea exercises.
“The span of challenges that we face as partners is large, from disaster relief and protection of economic resources to confronting high-end security threats,” said Richardson. “The potential that exists for the United States and Indonesia to work together is only just being realized.”
Richardson highlighted the importance of the U.S. and Indonesian relationship at @america, a U.S. Embassy cultural center that helps Indonesians learn more about the U.S. and share ideas about issues that affect both nations.
“After considering the ways in which our two navies collaborate, we can safely conclude that there’s strong momentum carrying us forward towards a deeper partnership, and that partnership is critical,” said Richardson. “The system which enables our prosperity--the rules-based international order that provides for a global commons did not appear overnight. It was created carefully, deliberately, and was the work of many nations, Indonesia and the United States among them, over many years. Safeguarding it requires diligence and vigilance. We’ll continue sailing alongside Indonesia and any nation that seeks a maritime environment that is secure, orderly and prosperous for all.”
Richardson’s visit focused on U.S. and Indonesia maritime domain awareness and naval capabilities, and the importance of the U.S.-Indonesia partnership in promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.