Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) on Tuesday welcomed the Royal Australian Navy warship HMAS Toowoomba conducting a port visit to Jakarta as part of a defense diplomacy mission.According to Naval Colonel Boy Yopi Hamel, operational assistant for the Indonesian Navy's Regional Command III, the visit of partners from Australia will benefit bilateral relations, especially in the defense sector.”This visit is very important to strengthen the friendship between the two navies, and also help improve the relationship between our two countries in many ways,” Colonel Hamel stated during the welcoming ceremony for HMAS Toowoomba at the Tanjung Priok Port.He expressed hope that Indonesian and Australian navies can use the opportunity to have a productive dialogue and that HMAS Toowoomba crews can complete their assignments and mission successfully.Meanwhile, HMAS Toowoomba's Commanding Officer, CMDR Alicia Harrison, explained that the ship's journey to Jakarta marks her first overseas assignment in 2026.”Visits like this one are an invaluable opportunity to build friendships, increase cultural understanding, and promote interoperability,” Harrison stated.The ship commander then highlighted her deep impression of Indonesia due to early exposure to Indonesian culture during her childhood, when she learned the Indonesian language and dance.Hence, she encouraged her crews to immerse themselves in the culture and experience during their stay in Indonesia, which “can strengthen our bonds of friendship and mutual trust as partners”.Harrison also expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome offered by the Indonesian Navy and looks forward to building on the close friendship today and into the future.During its visit to Jakarta, HMAS Toowoomba will host an on-board dinner reception and organize an open ship, while its personnel will participate in friendship programs, including sports matches and cultural visits.Meanwhile, according to an Australian Defence Forces (ADF) release, the HMAS Toowoomba visit to Indonesia is organised under a Regional Presence Deployment assignment commenced this month.Besides HMAS Toowoomba, the ADF also deployed HMAS Warramunga for the defense diplomacy mission. The two frigates commenced their journey from Western Australia and will sail to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Asia.