Australian and Indonesian Armies in Distributed Exercise

The Australian Army and Indonesian Army, Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Darat (TNI AD) completed the latest edition of Exercise Wirra Jaya in a virtual format to overcome travel restrictions imposed as a result of Covid-19.

Participating members in the exercise, from 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and the TNI AD’s Tiger Battalion connected virtually from their respective barracks in the Northern Territory and Palur, Central Java in Indonesia.

“Sometimes you have to think outside the box and use the technology available to continue to develop these important relationships, despite the restrictions induced by the Coronavirus,” said Officer Commanding Delta Company Major David Evangelidis, the lead instructor for the exercise.

Evangelidis was supported by his second in charge and four lieutenants from the unit over the course of the exercises.

The four-day activity featured assistance from Australian Defence Force (ADF) and TNI AD linguists, allowing virtual discussions pertaining to mechanised infantry operations, combat support considerations and combined arms attack methods between the two militaries.

The next edition of Ex Wirra Jaya will be held in 2021.