Indonesian, Australian Forces Conduct Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training in East Java

SITUBONDO, STUPA NEWS — Indonesian Army troops and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) conducted explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) training during the Keris Woomera 2026 joint military exercise at the Baluran Marine Combat Training Center in Situbondo, East Java, on Saturday (Oct. 17).

The training involved personnel from the Indonesian Army's 5th Combat Engineer Battalion (Yonzipur 5/ABW), under the Brawijaya Regional Military Command, and focused on identifying, assessing and neutralizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and hazardous ammunition in operational environments.

During the exercise, EOD teams from both countries carried out a series of procedures, including securing areas to establish safe routes for troop movements, handling IED threats in high-risk locations, and clearing rooms inside buildings.

The Indonesian unit deployed a specialized explosive ordnance disposal vehicle and supporting equipment to assist operations and help protect personnel during the training.

The exercise was aimed at aligning Indonesian and Australian procedures for dealing with explosive threats and improving interoperability between the two militaries, an important element of coordination in joint operations.

The training also reflects ongoing defence cooperation between Indonesia and Australia to strengthen military capabilities and enhance coordination between their armed forces. (Jamil Alhadi)