MUARA, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, Thursday, 5 November 2026 – The Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) hosted a delegation from the Indonesian Navy (IDN) for the Final Planning Conference (FPC) of Exercise HELANG LAUT 22B/27. The conference took place from 2 to 5 November 2026 at the Muara Naval Base.
The respective delegations were led by Lieutenant Commander Haji Abdul Hafiz Mubarak bin Haji Rusli, Commanding Officer of KDB DARULAMAN for the RBN, and Captain (Navy) Rivo De Havilland, Head of Exercise Section for the Operations and Exercise Service at the Indonesian Navy Headquarters.
The conference focused on finalising the operational concept, objectives and proposed serials for the upcoming Harbour and Sea Phases of Exercise HELANG LAUT 22B/27. In response to the evolving maritime security environment, the exercise will place particular emphasis on tackling non-conventional maritime threats and emergency situations. Key focus areas include vessel-related incidents, joint boarding operations and medical evacuations (MEDEVAC). Discussions also covered command and control arrangements, operational safety protocols, and logistics and administrative support to ensure the smooth execution of the exercise.
A major milestone of this upcoming exercise will be the inaugural joint participation of the RBN’s Maritime Special Operations Group (MARSOG) alongside the IDN’s Komando Pasukan Katak (KOPASKA) in the Vessel Boarding, Search and Seizure (VBSS) serial. Additionally, the involvement of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces’ Medical Reception Services (MRS) will further enhance combined capabilities in casualty management, medical coordination and evacuation procedures. These activities are strategically designed to strengthen interoperability, boost operational readiness and improve the ability of both navies to respond collectively to emerging maritime challenges.
Alongside the formal discussions held at the Bendahara Sakam Meeting Room, the IDN delegation paid a courtesy call on the Fleet Commander of the RBN. The programme also featured official dinners and networking engagements to foster closer professional ties. The conference successfully concluded with the signing of the minutes and closing remarks by both Heads of Delegation.
Exercise HELANG LAUT 22B/27 aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and interoperability between the two navies through the exchange of operational experiences, tactics, techniques and procedures. It also provides a vital platform for personnel to enhance their professional relationships and camaraderie through joint training.
The successful conclusion of the FPC marks a critical step in the preparations for the exercise, which is scheduled to take place in January 2027. Both delegations reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring a safe and successful execution, while further solidifying the longstanding bilateral defence relations and maritime cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Indonesia.
