Republic Of Indonesia Now Only Has 4 Submarines After The KRI Nanggala-402 Accident

KRI Nanggala-402 reportedly lost contact in Bali waters. (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Navy currently only has four submarines after the sinking of KRI Nanggala-402 in the north of Bali waters on Wednesday, April 21.

The four submarines are KRI Cakra-401, KRI Nagapasa-403, KRI Ardadeli-404, and KRI Alugoro-405.

Regarding the condition of the submarine, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy (KSAL) Vice Admiral Ahmadi Heri Purwono explained that the KRI Cakra-401 was still carrying out maintenance. Meanwhile, the rest are ready to carry out operations.

"We currently only have four submarines. The only one of the Nanggala type is called KRI Cakra, the hull number 401 is now being overhauled", said Heri in a press conference, Tuesday, April 27.

"Then other three made in Korea are currently in ready condition to carry out operations", he added.

Meanwhile, Asrena KSAL Admiral Muhammad Ali said that his party would audit and investigate the sinking of the Nanggala-402 ship. This investigation will collaborate with experts and submarine builders.

"We are investigating but we have to present experts, not observers. Submarine experts and submarine builders", he said.

As previously reported, the National Army (TNI) Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto on the fifth day of the search or on Sunday, April 25, announced that 53 soldiers on board the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine were declared dead in their duties.

The announcement was made after the search team found a number of authentic pieces of evidence that showed the KRI Nanggala-402 sank at a depth of 838 meters and the hull of the ship was split into three parts.

"Based on the authentic evidence, it can be stated that the KRI Nanggala-402 has drowned and all of its crew have died. Therefore, with deep sadness as the TNI commander, I declare that 53 personnel on board KRI Nanggala-402 have died", the TNI commander said during a press conference at Base Ops Lanud I Gusti Ngurah Rai, Bali.

"Hiu Kencana's best soldiers have died while carrying out their duties in the waters north of Bali. On behalf of all soldiers and the TNI extended families as TNI commander, I would like to convey my deepest condolences to all the families of the fallen soldiers. May God the Greatest give sincerity, patience, and fortitude", added Hadi.