Padang, W Sumatra (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), on Tuesday, opened a multilateral naval exercise known as "Komodo 2016," which will be held in West Sumatra on April 12-16.

There is a dire need of offering humanitarian assistance, and that military operations other than war are important, the president stated in his opening address at the event.

He said military operations instead of war will achieve their maximum output if they are not conducted individually.

"To hold the event, we need the participation of our allies stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean," he remarked.

Another side event, includes the scenario of a humanitarian mission exercise, which is a military naval exercise.

Naval Chief of Staff Admiral Ade Supandi stated that the Komodo 2016 exercise reflected the readiness of navies of the participating countries to perform their duties, enhance cooperation, maintain peace, and extend humanitarian assistance.

"In addition, the event will strengthen naval diplomacy," he affirmed.

According to Supandi, the event will also forge relations between the people of West Sumatra and the delegates of participating countries.

"The event comprises not only activities aboard ships but also social activities in which the delegates will interact with the public," he revealed.

The event called Komodo 2016 comprises the International Fleet Review 2016, Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo 2016, and the Western Pacific Naval Symposium attended by 35 countries.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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