Megawati Challenges TNI Commander To Increase Domestic Alutsista

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono spoke with the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri/ANTARA/Genta Tenri Mawangi

JAKARTA - The 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri challenged the TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono to increase the main weapon system (alutsista) made domestically.

Megawati, when giving a speech at the inauguration ceremony of KRI Bung Karno-369 at the Indonesian Navy's Kolinlamil Mako Pier, Jakarta, said that Indonesia has the ability to make defense equipment proven to be one of the KRI Bung Karno-369 made in Indonesia by a domestic company, PT Karimun Anugrah Sejati.

Mr. Yudo, if this (KRI Bung Karno-369) can be made by the country's own children, how much more can it be made. Then, Mr. Yudo was silent. Then I said this, I am the General Chair of the Party, then here is the Chairman of the DPR, there is a name Mr. Olly Dondokambey. So, later you can talk about budget matters," Megawati told the TNI Commander as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, June 1.

He explained that Indonesia needs to have independence in the defense and defense sector, especially from the Indonesian Navy, because Indonesia is an archipelagic country, most of which are waters.

"I think this came in, because I said earlier, sir, I mean him, how come a lot of people forget, our country is not continuous. Our country, I always say, to be cool with English, the biggest archipelago in the world (the largest archipelagic country in the world)," said the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia.

During the event, Megawati also shared when her father, 1st President of the Republic of Indonesia Soekarno, taught her the importance of strengthening the Indonesian Navy fleet for Indonesian marine defense.

"Earlier I told Pak Yudo, Mr., please think about it, let's take a look at the objective reality of our nation. If there are people who are still connected to foreign thoughts, it doesn't matter, but what must be remembered is that those who have strength in the hemisphere are not islands. Remember again (they) are continental, continental. So, please discuss it later. So maybe later, please, Commander, be discussed," Megawati told the TNI Commander.

The 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri inaugurated KRI Bung Karno-369 at the Indonesian Navy's Kolinlamil Pier, Jakarta, witnessed by the TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono, and the Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali.

The inauguration ceremony was held to coincide with the Birthday of Pancasila which is commemorated every June 1.

"Today, Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 15.20, with this KRI Bung Karno with the number 369 I inaugurate for the ranks of the Indonesian Navy," said Megawati Soekarnoputri during the inauguration ceremony.

During the ship inauguration ceremony, Megawati was present with other Bung Karno's children, namely Diah Mutiara Sukmawati Sukarnoputri and Mohammad Guruh Irianto Soekarnoputra. Then, Bung Karno's grandson, who currently serves as Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani.

After the inauguration ceremony, which was marked by the breaking of jugs and firing of various colors of flares, Megawati together with the extended family of the 1st President of the Republic of Indonesia Soekarno, the TNI Commander, the Navy Chief of Staff, and TNI Headquarters officials, and the Indonesian Navy Headquarters, continued to review KRI Bung Karno-369.

On the ship, Megawati continued to cut the ribbon and went around checking the contents of the ship. After walking around, Megawati, the TNI Commander, the Navy Chief of Staff continued to take a joint photo in front of KRI Bung Karno-369.

KRI Bung Karno-369 is a corvette-type warship made by a domestic company, PT Karimun Anugrah Sejati, in Batam, Riau Islands.

One of the KRIs will be used for the presidential ship to replace KRI Barakuda-633, which has been operating for approximately 30 years.

The ship was completed within a year since it was ordered on June 21, 2022. KRI Bung Karno-369, whose weight is 650 tons, is able to sail at a cruising speed of 22 knots, and the speed is a maximum of 24 knots.

During the inauguration ceremony, the TNI Commander also confirmed the KRI Commander Bung Karno-369 Marine Lieutenant Colonel (P) Krido Satrio Utomo.