After days travelling the deep sapphires of the Indian Ocean, entry into Jakarta Bay at dawn was an awe-inspiring experience for the sailors on deck of HMAS Toowoomba.

The crew departed Australia in late January on a regional presence deployment that will take them through operational tasks, engagements and exercises in the South China Sea and up to East Asia.

Home to more than 41 million people, Indonesia’s capital Jakarta is the most populated greater metropolitan area on the planet, and a fitting destination for Royal Australian Navy’s first international port visit of the year.

Indonesia remains one of Australia’s closest and most important partners, with deep ties on maritime security issues and a commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Toowoomba’s arrival into Jakarta’s ocean approaches saw the ship pass thousands of small islands, container ships, tankers and commercial fishing vessels.

Despite the rush hour maritime traffic, the frenzied everyday activity paused to take note of the uncommon site of an Anzac-class frigate entering the harbour.

'Our great nations share the world's longest maritime boundary.'

At a warm Indonesian Navy ceremony to welcome Toowoomba, Commanding Officer Commander Alicia Harrison confirmed the importance of the occasion.

“I am thrilled the Royal Australian Navy’s first international port visit of the year is to the capital city of one of our closest neighbours, who is also one of our most important partners in South-East Asia,” Commander Harrison said.

After a performance by the Indonesian Navy band and exchanging of gifts, Commander Harrison commented on the special friendship between the two partners.

“The Indonesian and Australian navies share a unique relationship. Together, our great nations share the world's longest maritime boundary,” Commander Harrison said. 

“This is but just one of the reasons it’s so important that our navies remain close maritime partners.”

Toowoomba’s arrival in Jakarta also coincided with the 15th anniversary of the Australia-Indonesia Defence Alumni Association, IKAHAN.

The milestone was celebrated with an official reception and ceremonial sunset on board the ship.

“With more than 4000 members across Australia and Indonesia, IKAHAN has grown into a critical pillar of our bilateral defence relationship,” Commander Harrison said. 

Commander Harrison added that bilateral defence ties make an important contribution to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which have provided the two nations with the opportunity to thrive as regional partners.

“We look forward to continuing to work together to develop our shared vision of the Indo-Pacific as a region of dialogue and cooperation, where countries can make their own sovereign choices and where international law is respected,” Commander Harrison said.