German Submarine Association Holds Final Tribute Ceremony For The Crew Of KRI Nanggala-402

JAKARTA - The tragedy of the sinking of the KRI Nanggala-402 drew sympathy and deep sorrow for the international community, including Germany, the country that made the U-209 submarine which became the base for the KRI Nanggala-402 produced at Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft, Kiel, Germany.

After the German Defense Minister, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer expressed his condolences and condolences, the German Submarine Crew Association (Verband Deutscher Ubootfahrer/VDU) held a wreath-laying ceremony at the Submarine Monument in Möltenort City, Germany, Thursday, April 29.

The final tribute to the crew of the KRI Nanggala-402 was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Germany Arif Havas Oegroseno, President and Board of Directors of the German Submarine Crew Association, President of the German Naval Association, Board of Directors and Members of the Kiel Submarine Corps, Commander of the Fleet Mission, Commander of the Submarine Squadron and CEO of the ThyssenKrupp Marine System Company.

"We really feel lost for the departure of our friends. As a fellow submarine crew, we are aware that our task is full of risks and dangers. No matter how we train, and no matter how sophisticated the equipment is, an accident is something that cannot be done. avoided", said Michael Setzer, President of the German Submarine Crew Association in a written statement received by VOI on Friday, April 30.

He further explained that members of the German Submarine Crew Association have close personal and colleague relationships with the initial KRI Nanggala-402. Even among the crew of the KRI Nanggala-402 who experienced this unfortunate accident, two years ago they had participated in the Education program in the German Navy and continued to maintain close contact.

"They were like Brothers in Arms to us", recalls Setzer.

The falling rain added to the serene atmosphere of the final tribute, which took place in the middle of a temperature of 7 degrees Celsius, accompanied by the accompaniment of trumpets singing the song 'Ich hatte einen Kameraden' (I have a friend). The song that usually accompanies the final tribute procession for soldiers who have died on duty.

"On behalf of the Indonesian Government, the Indonesian National Army, the families of the victims, I thank the high solidarity of the German Submarine Crew Association. This is the only ceremony honoring the fallen heroes, which is held outside Indonesia. which is closely related to defense, cooperation between the Navy and people to people in the military context between Indonesia and Germany", said Ambassador Oegroseno who is also the recipient of an honorary surveyor certificate from the Indonesian Navy of Pushidros.

To note, the Submarine Monument at Möltenort Heikendorf was built to honor German submarine crews who died in World War I and II. This monument then routinely becomes a symbol of holding the highest respect for all German submarine crew who died in carrying out their duties.

"Those who died have provided examples of courage, loyalty, chivalry in carrying out our duties. Our prayers are for them", concluded Oegroseno.