TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -One of the Navy’s war frigates CanadaHer Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Winnipeg, called this week at the port of Tanjung Priok, north of Jakarta.

HMCS Winnipeg’s visit to Indonesia from August 31 to September 3, 2022 is a series of PROJECTION operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

The appointed Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia, Nadia Burger, said the ship’s visit was Canada’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Indonesia.

Cooperation between Indonesia and Canada celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.

Canadian Embassy Defense Attaché to Indonesia Colonel Stewart Taylor, Commanding Officer of Ship Annick Fortin HMCS Winnipeg, Canadian Ambassador Appointed to Indonesia Nadia Burger at Tanjung Priok, Friday, September 2, 2022. Credit: Daniel Ahmad/Tempo

Burger said that for Canada, Indonesia is an important defense partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

“This visit to the ship comes against the background of developing ties,” he said at a press conference after visiting the ship with the media crew on Friday, September 2, 2022.

The Defense Attaché of the Canadian Embassy for Indonesia, Stewart Taylor, added that Canada’s military training cooperation program with Indonesia and Canada has been ongoing since 2008.

HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338) is a Halifax-class frigate that has served with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) since 1995. HMCS Winnipeg visiting Jakarta is the ninth ship of her class and the second ship to carry the designation HMCS Winnipeg.

Previously, Ship Commander Annick Fortin paid a courtesy call on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 to Indonesian Navy Commander-in-Chief Vice Admiral Abdul Rasyid Kacong and Indonesian Navy Rear Admiral Arsyad Abdullah.

Fortin admitted that he shared a common goal regarding global shipping during the meeting.

In addition to the completed agenda, the HMCS Winnipeg group will host members of the Indonesian Navy to tour the ship. Additionally, the ship’s crew will distribute basic needs to local residents.

HMCS Winnipeg has 250 sailors, including 30 women. Since June 2022, the crew has been visiting San Diego, USA. Prior to launching Operation PROJECTION, they also traveled to Pearl Harbor to participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific, the world’s largest international maritime war game.

After leaving Indonesia, this ship will continue its journey to Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia. They will also go to Thailand and Japan before returning to Japan Canada in December.

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DANIEL AHMAD