DENPASAR – Bali’s Benoa Port is hosting a rare display of international naval cooperation as three French battleships and an Australian vessel arrived in the island’s capital this week. The visit aims to enhance military relations between Indonesia, France, and Australia.
The fleet includes three French frigates—FNS Forbin (D620), FNS Provence (D652), and FNS Alsace (D656)—which docked at Benoa Port on January 28, 2025. Commodore I Made Wira Hady Arsanta Wardhana, Head of the Indonesian Navy’s (TNI-AL) Information Office, confirmed the ships’ arrival, which marks the beginning of a routine visit running until February 3, 2025.
These French vessels are on a mission that includes crew rotations, ship maintenance, and an opportunity for crew members to explore Bali. After their stay, FNS Forbin and FNS Provence will continue their journey to Manila, Philippines, while FNS Alsace will head toward Okinawa, Japan.
Additionally, the Australian destroyer HMAS Hobart (DDG 39), commanded by Captain Alisha Withers, docked at Benoa Port on January 26, adding to the international presence in the region.
Commodore Wardhana emphasized the importance of the visit in bolstering military ties, noting that it opens doors for possible future joint military drills, soldier exchanges, and even defense technology sharing.
Not far from Benoa, the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is also in Indonesia, now docked at Gili Mas Port in West Lombok, marking an expanded presence of French naval power in the region.
This visit signifies Indonesia’s growing military partnerships with France and Australia, contributing to deeper cooperation across defense and security sectors. (ANT)