Circumnavigating Africa, KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 Docks in Nigeria

Wed, 25 Feb 2026, 03:08 WIB | Source: ANTARA_ID | Politics

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Navy’s (TNI AL) new vessel, the KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321, built by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri, has made a stop in Lagos, Nigeria, during its maiden voyage from Italy to Indonesia, circumnavigating the African continent.

According to a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja, received in Jakarta on Wednesday, the KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 arrived in Lagos on Monday (23 February) morning local time, where it was welcomed by the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto, and representatives of the Nigerian Navy through a military welcoming ceremony.

In his speech, Ambassador Bambang expressed his pride in the new vessel, which will strengthen the Indonesian Navy’s efforts in carrying out its role in maintaining maritime security and national sovereignty.

“This is important as a signal to external parties that our maritime nation has a fleet of sufficiently robust and modern military equipment in its efforts to guarantee the security of the Republic of Indonesia,” he said.

While extending a warm welcome to the commander of the KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321, Colonel Kurniawan Koes Atmadja, and the 162 Indonesian Navy officers and crew members, Ambassador Bambang also expressed his appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for allowing the warship to dock and for facilitating its needs during its stay in Nigeria.

“During its stay in Lagos, the ship will refuel and load other logistical supplies for its departure to its next destination,” said the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja.

According to the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja, after the welcoming ceremony, Ambassador Bambang and representatives of the Nigerian Navy were honoured to conduct an inspection of the frigate.

Ambassador Bambang and the commander of the KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 were then also invited to meet directly with the Commander of the Nigerian Navy’s Western Command, Rear Admiral AA Mustapha, where they exchanged souvenirs and took photos together.

After its stop in Lagos, the ship will depart for Cape Town, South Africa, on Thursday (26 February) local time before continuing its voyage to Jakarta, according to the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja.

It is known that the Indonesian Navy, represented by the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali, received the KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321, which had been completed by the Fincantieri shipyard, in a handover ceremony in Muggiano, Italy, on 22 December 2025.

According to Admiral Ali on 12 February, the ship is expected to arrive in Indonesia in early April 2026, given that its route to Indonesia involves sailing along the coast of the African continent.

Before departing from Italy to Indonesia, the KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 had already conducted several exercises and live-fire drills in Italian waters. All of these trials and exercises were successfully carried out, Ali said.

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