Indonesia and Australia Boost Disaster Response Cooperation in Sibolga

Indonesia and Australia expanded their disaster response partnership during the Pacific Partnership 2026 joint exercise held in Sibolga, North Sumatra, from 20 July to 1 August 2026. The drill brought together 113 specialists from Australia, Canada, Germany and the United States, who worked alongside Indonesian ministries—including Foreign Affairs, National Development Planning (Bappenas), Home Affairs, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).

Australia deployed the Royal Australian Navy vessel HMAS Choules, with its commanding officer Paul Hardman highlighting the ship’s role in rapidly delivering personnel and equipment across the Indo‑Pacific. Vice Admiral Justin Jones noted the long history of mutual assistance and the historical significance of Sibolga, referencing Operation Sumatra Assist II in 2025. The exercise supports three priorities of Australia’s 2026 National Defence Strategy: strengthening regional partnerships, enhancing humanitarian assistance and disaster‑response readiness, and improving personnel readiness for regional stability.