The Indonesian Navy, in this case, the Regional Commander of the Naval (Dankodaeral) VIII Manado, Admiral TNI Dery Triesananto Suhendi, S.E., M.Tr.Opsla., represented by Asops Dankodaeral VIII Marine Colonel (P) Shodikin, M.Tr. Opsla, welcomed the arrival of the Philippine Navy warship BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) in the context of the 2025 Philindo Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Joint Exercise at the Main Pier of Satrol Kodaeral VIII, Bitung. Sunday (28/9/2025).
In the 2025 Latma MTA Philindo which will last until October 3, 2025, the Indonesian Navy is led by Dansatrol Kodaeral VIII Marine Colonel (P) Marvill Marfel F. E.D, S.E., M.Tr.Hanla., CRMP as the 2025 Latma Philindo MTA Dansatgas. Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy delegation was led by Commander Efren Ryan Fajardo as the Philippine Liaison Officer in Manado.
Latma MTA Philindo 2025 focuses on improving coordination of joint maritime operations, involving KRI Lumba-lba-881 from the Indonesian Navy and BRP Artemio Ricarte from the Philippine Navy, with training materials including Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), to various exercises at sea and cultural exchanges.
The implementation of this exercise is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation as well as increase the professionalism of the soldiers of the two countries in maintaining maritime security stability in the Indonesia-Philippines border area in line with the direction of the Chief of Naval Staff (Kasal) Admiral TNI Dr. Muhammad Ali.
The Philippine Warship received a warm welcome through the Merplug procession by Satrol and Yonmarhanlan VIII soldiers, followed by the laying of flowers to BRP Commander Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) Cdr Abram R Taguinod, a traditional Tetengkoren dance performance, and a group photo session.
The welcoming ceremony was also attended by Dansatrol Kodaeral VIII Marine Colonel (P) Marvill Marfel Frits, E.D., S.E., M.Tr.Hanla., CHRMP, Commander of KRI Lumba-dolphin-881 Lieutenant Colonel (P) Guntur Prasetyawan, M.Tr.Opsla, Kasatker Kodaeral VIII, elements of the Bitung City Forkopimda, and other invited guests.