Defense Minister: KRI Made PAL Evidence Of Seriousness Guaranteeing State Sovereignty

The "ship pass" parade during the "delivery ceremony" of 5 units of 60 meters missile speedboats (KCR) at Madura Pier Koarmada II Surabaya, Monday (14/8/2023). (ANTARA/HO-PAL Indonesia)

SURABAYA - Minister of Defense (Menhan) Prabowo Subianto stated that the success of PT PAL Indonesia in producing a number of warships or warships of the Republic of Indonesia (KRI) proves the seriousness of the nation's children in ensuring the sovereignty of the state.

"Strengthening the ability of marine dimensions in terms of adding the main weapon system or defense equipment and human resources must be carried out to meet the needs of national defense," Prabowo said while leading the delivery ceremony of 5 units of 60 meters of fast missile ships (KCR) in the form of finishing passes at the Madura Pier. Fleet Command (Koarmada) II Surabaya reported by ANTARA, Monday, August 14.

Before officially undergoing the processing pass, the 60 meter KCR made by PAL has completed the installation and integration of the weapon system in the Halasan-630 War Kepal of the Republic of Indonesia (KRI) in early 2023.

In addition, PAL has also completed the construction and installation of weapons at KRI Kapak-625 and KRI Pana-626, as well as confirmed the ship's commander on May 17, 2023.

Now, PAL has officially handed over the 60 meter KCR to protect Indonesia's maritime sovereignty.

During the handover procession, Defense Minister Prabowo, accompanied by TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono, KSAL Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali, as well as stakeholder officials, was treated with a sequential paradesailing pass by the MCMV KRI Ship Fani Island-731, KRI Pulau Fanildo-732, KRI Kaping-625, KRI Panasan-626, KRI Halasan-630, KRI Tombak-629, KRI Sampari-628, and KRI Golok-688.

"With the success of the ships made by PT PAL, it will certainly be proof that we are serious in ensuring the sovereignty of the nation and state," said Defense Minister Prabowo.

PT PAL Indonesia CEO Kaharuddin Djenod stated that with the government's trust, PT PAL Indonesia as a national defense strategic industry also supports Indonesia's vision to become the world's maritime axis as announced by President Joko Widodo.

"Therefore it is important for us to be able to build maritime defense forces," he said.

Kaharuddin Djenod emphasized the importance of potential in the Asia Pacific region.

According to him, the presence of KRI Sampari-629 and KRI Tombak-628 has strengthened their role in Koarmada II. Meanwhile, KRI Halasan-630 together with KRI Kerambit-627 are currently participating in joint exercises, then tasked with securing northern Indonesia waters with Koarmada I.

In addition, the KRI Kapak-625 and the KRI Panapan-626 which have been equipped with weapons are ready to protect eastern Indonesia's waters from threats.

"The warship has started to design, produce and integrate its weapon system independently by the Indonesian people. I hope it can play an optimal role in reducing the potential threat of stability and peace at the regional level," he said.