TNI AL Appreciates PLA Navy Who Assisted In Salvage Operation Of KRI Nanggala-402

The Chinese ship deployed to assist the evacuation of KRI Nanggala-402 in the waters of Bali/DOC. TNI AL Dispensation

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) expressed its appreciation and gratitude to the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) for sending 3 (three) ships in the salvage operation of KRI Nanggala-402.

The three ships involved in the KRI Nanggala-402 salvage operation are the PLA Navy Ship Ocean Tug Nantuo-195, the PLA Navy Ocean Salvage & Rescue Yong Xing Dao-863, and the Scientific Salvage Tan Suo 2.

This expression of appreciation was conveyed by the Head of the Maritime Security Group (Danguskamla) of the Second Fleet Command, Admiral TNI I, Gung Putu Alit Jaya.

The coordination meeting for the termination of the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine salvage operation was attended by the Chinese Defense Attaché (Athan) to RI Senior Colonel Chen Yongjing representing the Chinese government, Deputy Athan Colonel Zheng Yuanyuan, Deputy Consul General Denpasar, Mei Yuncai, Wednesday, June 2.

The collaboration between the Indonesian Navy and the PLA Navy in carrying out the salvage of KRI Nanggala-402 in the waters north of Bali is a clear proof of the strong friendship between the world's navies.

For the Indonesian Navy, the activities that have been carried out have become knowledge and future references to further enhance bilateral relations between the Navy.

Danguskamla Koarmada II said that the salvage operation of KRI Nanggala-402 at a depth of 839 meters was not easy and contained a very high level of risk and difficulty. During the salvage operation, 20 dives have been carried out and have succeeded in lifting important materials which is a manifestation of the extraordinary success of the salvage team's performance.

"We express our highest gratitude to the ships that have taken the trouble to lift the seabed and apologize if there were any inconveniences felt during this operation," he said, quoted from a written statement.

Meanwhile, Senior Colonel Chen Yongjing representing the Chinese government said that for about a month the Chinese Navy and Indonesian Navy had cooperated and coordinated well.

The team tried to collect as much documentation as possible in the form of photos and videos and also raised some parts of the KRI Nanggala which had all been handed over to the Indonesian side.

“This is one concrete proof of the humanitarian rescue activities carried out together with the Indonesian Navy. This activity has a very big meaning in the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the Indonesian Navy and the traditions of the two countries, which is heavy to carry and also has great significance in cooperation and mutual trust between the two militaries," he said.