'Dewaruci' sets out for new trip

SURABAYA: Navy training ship KRI Dewaruci embarked on its annual round-the-globe trip on Sunday, carrying 60 Navy cadets plus two cadets each from the Air Force and Military academies.

Commander of the Eastern Fleet Rear Adm. Sosialisman saw off the vessel in a modest ceremony attended also by Navy Academy governor Marine Maj. Gen. Nono Sampono.

The ship, captained by Maj. Gig JM Sipasulta, will take 116 days to complete the journey, which will take it to Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Russia.

Built in Germany, the Dewaruci embarked on its maiden voyage in 1953 under the Indonesian Navy.

Sosialisman said this year's journey would enable the cadets not only to implement their knowledge acquired in the classroom, but to help the country boost its relations with the countries visited by the vessel. -- Antara