Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the two-day patrol was an important part of Australia and Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to deepen defence co-operation between the two nations. 

"We recognise the importance of working together to support regional security and to promote a peaceful, prosperous and rules-based regional order. The patrol targeted all maritime security threats, including illegal fishing, but focused on improving the collection and sharing of information between our two nations," Minister Reynolds explained. 

Director-General Maritime Operations, Commodore Darren Grogan, CSM, said it was important that Australia continued to demonstrate its commitment to regional partners, especially during the challenges that the pandemic presents to both nations.

CDRE Grogan added, "AUSINDO CORPAT 2020 allowed crews from the RAN Armidale Class patrol boat, HMAS Wollongong, and Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL) vessels, KRI Lemadang and KRI Pandrong, to hone their combined maritime surveillance, security and interdiction skills."

The co-ordinated patrol was conducted under strict protocols to mitigate COVID-19 risks, including having no logistics visits outside of each boat’s home country and no contact between the crews.