US and Indonesian marines launch platoon exchange

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 26 and the Indonesian Marine Corps have launched their annual bilateral platoon exchange in Lampung, Indonesia, following an opening ceremony that marked the start of several weeks of combined training.

About 60 Marines and Sailors are taking part, including 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, reinforced by supporting elements from MRF-D 26. They will train alongside a platoon from the Indonesian Marine Corps’ A Company, 7th Infantry Battalion, 4th Brigade.

The exchange is designed to enhance combat readiness and strengthen interoperability between U.S. and Indonesian forces, highlighting both countries’ emphasis on security and partnership across the Indo-Pacific.

“This exercise represents a critical opportunity for our Marines to integrate directly with our Indonesian partners,” said 1st Lt. Abigail Gutierrez, commander of 1st Platoon, A Co., 1st Bn., 5th Marines. “By sharing tactics and operating side by side, we are building a more prepared, professional, and disciplined combined force capable of responding to regional challenges.”

In the coming weeks, the units plan to conduct jungle survival and operations training, military operations in urban terrain, and subject matter expert exchanges, culminating in a full mission profile event that will test their integrated capabilities.

This year’s iteration pairs MRF-D 26 with the Indonesian Marine Corps’ 7th Infantry Battalion and is intended to sharpen combined combat readiness, improve tactical interoperability, and reinforce the enduring partnership between the two nations.