Tells Commodore Yos Sudarso, KSAL: Dharma Samudera Day Forms Of Respect For Indonesian Navy Heroes

KSAL Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali draped wreaths during the commemoration of Dharma Samudera Day in the waters of Jakarta Bay, Monday (15/1/2024). BETWEEN PHOTOS/M. Risyal Hidayat

JAKARTA - The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (KSAL) Admiral Muhammad Ali stated that Dharma Samudera Day, which falls on January 15, is a form of respect for the nation to all Indonesian Navy heroes who died in the war.

"This Dharma Samudera ceremony is a time to commemorate the sea battles carried out by the Indonesian Navy in order to fight for independence and defend the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia," Ali said while attending the Dharma Samudera Day flower sowing ceremony in Jakarta, Monday, January 15, which was confiscated by Antara.

Ceremonies and flower sowing events held on the KRI Banda Aceh-593 ship sailing in Jakarta Bay, said Kasal, aim to reward and respect the services and struggles of the heroes who died when they captured and defended the nation's independence.

He recounted that on January 15, 1962 in the Aru Sea, there were three torpedo boat motors (MTB) that were carrying out an infiltration mission to land special forces to West Irian (Papua). However, soldiers must be involved in sea battles against Dutch marine combat units consisting of large ships, Neptune maritime patrol aircraft, and Firefly fighters.

In accordance with the planned operation, the Indonesian Tigers and RI Matjan Kumbang managed to turn around if their presence was known to the enemy. Commodore Yos Sudarso who was in RI Matjan Tutul ordered the ship to go forward to meet the arrival of the Dutch ships.

"This maneuver is to divert attention so that enemy attacks are directed at RI Matjan Tutul," said Ali.

After successful maneuvers, the Dutch ship rained down RI Matjan Tutul with cannon fire that hit the Navy torpedo speedboat's bridge.

In that precarious situation, Commodore Yos Sudarso remained persistent in fighting while singing: "Keep the fighting spirit!" This call was via radio calls.

Without fear, said Ali, he chose to sink with his ship in a gentle and brave way as the nation's kusuma.

According to him, the sea battle that culminated in the Aru Sea on January 15, 1962, was then commemorated as Dharma Samudera Day in memory of the heroism and sacrifice of patriots in various sea battles in defense of the honor and pride of the nation.

Therefore, Ali hopes that with this commemoration, he can continue to instill a heroic spirit for the nation's future young generation, foster a sense of love for the homeland, establish national insight, and practice the noble values that have been inherited by the predecessors of the country.

"We continue to commemorate this day from year to year to encourage Navy soldiers in fighting to uphold the sovereignty of the country at sea, including law enforcement at sea," said Ali.