53 Crews Of KRI Nanggala-402 Died, Sri Mulyani: It Breaks My Heart, You Are Real Heroes

Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati. (Photo: Doc. Ministry of Finance)

JAKARTA - The death of 53 crew members of the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine made all Indonesian people mourned. The Minister of Finance (Menkeu) Sri Mulyani Indrawati also felt deep sorrow.

Quoted from the personal Instagram account of Sri Mulyani @smindrawati, Tuesday, April 27, he admitted that he was devastated. Moreover, according to him, the 53 victims of the sinking of the KRI Nanggala-402 left their wives and children who still needed a father figure.

"Innalillahi wa innailaihi rojiun. I am personally very concerned and saddened by the fate of the KRI Nanggala 402 crew, as well as the families left behind. It breaks my heart," wrote Sri Mulyani

"Children don't see their fathers anymore, wives lose their husbands. Grieving parents lose their hope, pride, and beloved sons," added the former Managing Director of the World Bank.

Sri Mulyani added that the 53 crew members who died were heroes for the Indonesian nation. What they have done until they finally die in the ocean, is a form of struggle to defend their beloved homeland.

"You are true heroes patrolling eternity to protect the seas of the archipelago. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and struggle will continue to live and surge. May Allah SWT provide the best place by His side for the entire crew of KRI Nanggala 402," concluded Sri Mulyani.

Previously, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) confirmed that the 53 crew of the KRI Nanggala submarine that sank in waters north of Bali received promotions. In addition, the crew of this ship will also receive a service star as a form of respect.

"The state will award a promotion to one level higher and Jalasena Service Medal for the dedication and sacrifice of the best soldier," Jokowi said in a press conference broadcast on the YouTube account of the Presidential Secretariat, Monday, April 26.

What is meant by Jalasena Service Star is a sign of honor given to members of the Navy in the military field who show extraordinary abilities, wisdom, and services beyond the call of duty without prejudice to their main duties.

Apart from giving promotions, the education of the 53 children of the KRI Nanggala-402 crew who died will also be guaranteed.

"The government will also guarantee the education of the sons and daughters of the KRI Nanggala-402 judges to the undergraduate level," said Jokowi.

Jokowi said the dozens of crew of the German-made submarine were the nation's best sons.

"On behalf of the government and all Indonesian people, I would like to express my deep sorrow for the deaths of 53 Indonesian Navy soldiers at KRI Nanggala-402 in carrying out their duties," he said.