Indonesian soldiers attend the opening ceremony of a joint-military drills ASEAN Solidarity Exercise at Batu Ampar port on Batam island, Indonesia, September 19, 2023. (Photo: REUTERS)

The five-day non-combat operation is aimed at developing military skills, including maritime security and patrols, and the distribution of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the Indonesian military said in a statement. All 10 members of the ASEAN plus East Timor will join the exercise.

This is not a combat operation because ASEAN is more focused on economics, Indonesia's military chief told reporters on Tuesday, adding that the training is more about social activities.