Indonesia kicked off the first Joint Military Drills by the Association Of Southeast Asian Nations Bloc on Batam Island amid rising maritime tension with china in the south China sea region.

The five-day ASEAN Solidarity Exercise-01 Natuna Exercise, will be held at Indonesia's Natuna Islands. Military personnel from all ASEAN member countries, including East Timor will participate.

Indonesia Military Chief said at the opening ceremony the non-combat drills are aimed at cooperation and strengthening strategic partnership among the member countries.