Jakarta — Indonesia’s Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto, alongside President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), witnessed the grand display of the Indonesian Navy’s fleet in Jakarta Bay on Saturday (September 28). The two observed the impressive military parade from aboard the KRI Dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat (RJW-992), which showcased the Navy’s warships and defense equipment in the Sailing Pass and Flying Pass demonstrations.

According to the Chief of Naval Staff, Muhammad Ali, a total of 55 ships, both large and small, participated in the Sailing Pass. Additionally, 25 naval aircraft were featured in the Flying Pass, offering a grand aerial display.

“The event was conducted at sea using defense equipment produced domestically,” Muhammad Ali explained.

As the ships passed by the KRI Dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat (RJW-992), crew members waved to Jokowi and Prabowo, who were seated side by side during the event.

“They waved to the President, thanking him for his support,” said the Chief of Naval Staff.

The featured ships included Multi Role Light Frigates (MLRF), PKR and SIGMA-class warships, the legendary KRI Dewa Ruci sailing ship, Combat Boats, and Landing Platform Dock (LPD) class vessels. The KRI Cakra 401 submarine also made a special appearance.

In terms of aircraft, the display featured Cassa NC-212, CN 235 MP, Piper Archer DX, Bonanza G36, Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters, Panther AS565 MBe helicopters, VIP King Air aircraft, and Scaneagle UAVs.

The naval parade also included ships from various Indonesian maritime agencies, such as the Marine Police, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Customs, the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and the Sea and Coast Guard (KPLP), as well as fishing vessels from Indonesia’s fisheries fleet. The Chief of Naval Staff noted that over 500 civilians were on board the KRI Banda Aceh and KRI Wahidin.

In addition to the parade, the ceremony also included the awarding of the Samkarya Nugraha Medal of Honor to the KRI Nanggala-402 and the conferment of the Hiu Kencana Brevet to President Jokowi.

The Hiu Kencana Brevet is a prestigious honor from the Indonesian Navy, specifically the Submarine Unit, awarded to individuals, civilians, or military personnel who have made significant contributions to the Navy.

The event was also attended by several key officials, including Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Hadi Tjahjanto, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, State Secretary Pratikno, and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. (RR)