While Visiting, The Vice President And His Wife Also Tried Tours In Labuan Bajo, Delivered By KRI Sampari 628

Photo via Setwapres/Antara

JAKARTA - On the sidelines of a working visit (kunker) to Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, NTT, Vice President (Wapres) Ma'ruf Amin and Wury Ma'ruf Amin took the time to do marine tourism.

Welcomed by the Commander of the Indonesian Navy's Main Base (Danlatamal) VII Kupang, First Admiral Yudho Warsono and the Commander of the Indonesian Navy Base (Danlanal) Labuan Bajo Marine Lt. Col. (F) Roni, the Vice President arrived at Labuan Bajo Pier at 09.15 WITA. Furthermore, the Vice President toured around Bidadari Island and Kelor Island using KRI Sampari 628.

While enjoying the beauty of the Flores Sea, on the ship the Vice President received an explanation from Laksma Yudho about the condition of the ship.

According to Yudho, KRI Sampari 628 is 60 meters long, 8.10 meters wide, and weighs 460 tons. This ship has a reliable propulsion system capable of sailing and maneuvering at a speed of 28 knots.

"KRI Sampari 628 is the second Fast Missile Ship (KCR) after KRI Tombak 629," said Laksma Yudho in an official statement from the Setwapres, Tuesday, March 15.

Given the size of Sampari which is not too wide, the group accompanying the Vice President's visit to this island must use a different ship, namely the KRI Ajak and the Motorboat (KM) Baswara Bahari 2.

The KRI Invite was used by special staff, while the media crew covering the activities of the Vice President while in Labuan Bajo used the Baswara Bahari 2 Motorboat (KM).

According to the captain of Baswara Bahari 2 Duffan, this ship has only been used twice.

"Because it just arrived in Labuan Bajo last February," he said.

Furthermore, Duffan explained, the sea transportation mode that was sent to Labuan Bajo recently was a form of support from the Ministry of Transportation, the Director General of Sea Transportation, to make various G20 events on this island successful, especially in the tourism sector.

As is known, Labuan Bajo was chosen to be one of the side venues for the G20 series, in addition to Bali, Bogor, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Solo, Jakarta, Medan, Lombok and Manado.

Labuan Bajo port also has a significant role as the main entrance for local and foreign tourists who want to do marine tourism on the island. Moreover, Labuan Bajo has been designated as one of the five super priority tourist destinations that have been announced by the government.

"Indeed, this is a priority destination, a super priority, I think it is appropriate and feasible, I think because it is an international meeting here," said the Vice President.