JAKARTA - The presence of KRI Bima Suci is not only a goodwill visit, but also reflects the strong cooperation and friendship between Indonesia and Japan which is almost 70 years old, with maritime diplomacy having a crucial role for both countries.
This was said by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Japan Nurmala Kartini Sjahrir when welcoming the arrival of KRI Bima Suci in the Deck Reception activity held on the main deck of KRI Bima Suci on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
KRI Bima Suci which berthed at Dejima Pier, Nagasaki, Japan on 18 - 21 June 2026 is part of Indonesia's maritime diplomacy efforts in strengthening the friendship between Indonesia and Japan.
This cruise is part of the Humanitarian Diplomacy Mission of the National Ambassador and the Kartika Jala Krida Practice Training (Lattek KJK) 2026.
Ambassador Kartini had the opportunity to receive a courtesy call on KRI Bima Suci with representatives of officials from the Indonesian Navy led by the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Laksdya T. N. S. B. Hutabarat.
In a discussion at the KRI Bima Suci lounge, the TNI AL delegation conveyed the KJK 2026 program which also included participants in the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) 2026 from 9 ASEAN countries and 17 partner countries.
"The presence of KRI Bima Suci in Japan is a strategic momentum to strengthen maritime diplomacy, strengthen people-to-people contact, and become a symbol of strong friendship between the navies of the two countries," said Ambassador Kartini, quoted from the statement of the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo (25/6).
"In carrying out Indonesia's maritime diplomacy mission, the presence of KRI Bima Suci is also aimed at strengthening confidence building measures and cooperation in the maritime sector between Indonesia and Japan," he continued, accompanied by Political Function Coordinator Titik Nahilal Hamzah, Economic Function Coordinator Gatot Hari Gunawan, Defense Attaché (Athan) First Admiral (Laksma) TNI Hidayaturrahman and Trade Attaché Merry Astrid Indriasari.
"Indonesian-Japanese maritime diplomacy has a very crucial role for the relationship between the two countries, as evidenced by the results of President Prabowo Subianto's talks with PM Sanae Takaichi during the Indonesian President's visit to Japan on March 29-31, 2026," he said.
Furthermore, Ambassador Kartini said that Indonesia was also considered important for Japan in relation to developments in the Indo-Pacific. Indonesia, he added, was also considered by Japan as one of the major countries that could play an important role in this region.
During her visit to KRI Bima Suci, Ambassador Kartini also conveyed a message that cadets can expand their knowledge and experience in maritime diplomacy.
"The AAL cadets are expected to strengthen modern knowledge and technology so that they will become leaders who are adaptive to the development and progress of the times such as the use of AI technology and modern equipment such as drones and robotic equipment," said Ambassador Kartini.
"These AL cadets are also expected to become ambassadors of the nation, which is a means to introduce Indonesian culture and strengthen Indonesia's positive image in Japan," he said.
The reception, which was attended by representatives from the Regional Government Authority and the Nagasaki Parliament, the Head of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), as well as representatives of the Foreign Defense Attaché in Tokyo, was held with a treat of cultural attractions for the Indonesian Navy cadets and a display of typical Nusantara food.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Ogawa Kunio of the JMSDF said Indonesia and Japan have commonalities regarding the geography of the two countries as island nations.
"Therefore, maritime cooperation is a must for both countries, especially in the midst of current global and regional geopolitical challenges," he said.
The presence of KRI Bima Suci, according to Rear Admiral Ogawa Kunio, shows the closeness of relations and cooperation between the two countries is expected to continue to be improved in the future.
The AAL cadets at KRI Bima Suci also held cultural performances and marching bands and carried out an open ship from June 19-20, 2026, for the Indonesian and Japanese people in Nagasaki. In turn, the commander of KRI Bima Suci, Lieutenant Colonel (P) Sugeng Hariyanto, said that this series of international visits had a vital role for the future of the naval troops.
"This visit to Nagasaki is an important part of strengthening friendship between countries as well as providing valuable international experience for AAL cadets as future leaders of the Indonesian Navy," explained Lieutenant Colonel Sugeng.
Before stopping in Japan, the KRI Bima Suci, which carried 77 AAL cadets of the 73rd class, had visited Shanghai (China), Busan (South Korea), and completed the seventh stage at the Port of Vladivostok (Russia) in mid-June.
On Sunday, June 21, 2026, with the official release by the Indonesian Defense Attaché in Tokyo, First Admiral TNI Hidayaturrahman, KRI Bima Suci continued to sail to the next stage, namely Manila, Philippines and is scheduled to dock on July 2.
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