KRI Nanggala-402 Crew Family In Bali Holds Pejati Religious Ceremony

JAKARTA - The family of a KRI Nanggala-402 crew named Marine Captain (P) I Gede Kartika held a religious ceremony in the area of Celukan Bawang Harbor, Gerokgak, Buleleng Regency, Bali.

"So we are here to hold a ritual ceremony because yesterday the Commander conveyed that the KRI Nanggala submarine crew was declared drowned and the soldier died. One of the soldiers who died was my nephew named I Gede Kartika," said the uncle of one of the KRI Nanggala Wayan Darmanta, when met at Celukan Bawang Port, Buleleng Regency, Bali, reported by Antara, Monday, April 26.

He said that this religious ceremony was carried out in the form of offering offerings called "Pejati" in accordance with beliefs, with the aim of providing a smooth operation in this evacuation process.

This ritual procession is carried out by the family at Swagina Bhuawana Merta Temple, which is located in Celukan Bawang Harbor, Buleleng Regency.

"According to our belief, we can be somewhat calm when we can ritualize performing the ceremony. Previously we were at home feeling uncomfortable while waiting for confirmation from the government. Once there is certainty, then we carry out this procession," he also said.

From the family side, he also expressed his gratitude for maximizing the search, and also preparing for the evacuation of soldiers who are members of the KRI Nanggala-402.

Wayan Darmanta as the uncle of Marine Captain (P) I Gede Kartika said that if the victim's body was found, after the official information on the death of KRI Nanggala-402, the family asked that the body be brought to its home area to carry out the Hindu religious ceremony.

"We have communicated after being declared dead and handed over to the government, so that after the official (military) ceremony in the government, it is possible that we from the family request to be returned for the implementation of the Hindu religious ceremony," he said.

Earlier, on Sunday (25/4) TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto said that 53 of the best soldiers who were in KRI Nanggala-402 had died while on assignment in northern Bali waters.

He said that the KRI Nanggala-402 was declared drowned and all of its crew had died, reinforced by the discovery of authentic evidence in the form of a submarine after an accurate scan was carried out.