Defense Minister Hands Over 100 Motorcycles Strengthening The Indonesian Navy's Second Koarmada

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto greeted Indonesian Navy soldiers after the handover ceremony for KRI Fani Island and Fanildo Island/ANTARA/HO-Kemenhan

JAKARTA - Defense Minister (Menhan) Prabowo Subianto handed over 100 motorbikes for the Fleet Command (Koarmada) II of the Indonesian Navy.

The handover was carried out on the sidelines of the handover ceremony of two new mine hunting vessels at Madura Pier, Ujung, Surabaya, East Java.

Prabowo symbolically handed over the motorbike to the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (KSAL) Admiral Muhammad Ali.

"One of the pillars of sovereignty is the strong force of the Navy. The Indonesian marine mate has the main task as a defense force that maintains and guarantees the sovereignty of the nation and state as well as the instrument of diplomacy and national law enforcement in the Indonesian sea," said the Minister of Defense as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, August 14.

Prabowo assessed that strengthening the ability of the maritime dimension through the addition of defense equipment and human resources is absolute for the sake of national defense.

Prabowo also expressed his pride to all Indonesian Navy soldiers who participated in a series of ceremonies at Madura Pier Koarmada II.

"I want to convey my pride when I see you all. I feel proud and emotional to see our Navy. You have a very tough task, but I see today, your enthusiasm, your discipline, your physical abilities, your courage are very, very good, very very, very high," said Prabowo.

He thanked the dedication and sincerity of the soldiers in dedicating themselves to the country.

"I am talking not just praising. I am a former Commander of the Special Forces. I can see great soldiers. I can see soldiers who are enthusiastic. I can see soldiers who sincerely defend the country and nation. I am proud of you. Thank you. On behalf of the Indonesian government I thank you for your service," said the Minister of Defense.

Prabowo also conveyed that the government understands the difficulties experienced by the soldiers and is trying to overcome that.

"We understand the difficulties you face. President Joko Widodo and I as Minister of Defense, we are determined to immediately build a defense force that can carry out our duties as well as possible. Once again, I am proud of you," he said. In front of the ranks of Indonesian Navy soldiers, the former Danjen Kopassus continued, "As your senior, I am proud. Carry out your deeds! Continue our extraordinary Indonesian Navy tradition. Keep the heroic example of Yos Sudarso in your soul. You must also in time give everything you have for our nation and people we love."