Indonesian Navy Strengthens Bilateral Ties with Japanese Government

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has strengthened bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan through a series of courtesy calls to government, security, and military officials in Yokosuka, Japan. Head of the Navy Information Service, First Admiral Tunggul, stated in a press release received in Jakarta on Tuesday that the visit was conducted by the crew of KRI GNR-332, led by its commander, Colonel (P) Ahmad Makmur Ikhlas. ‘This courtesy call is an implementation of the priority programme of the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Admiral Muhammad Ali, in the field of naval diplomacy,’ said Tunggul. He explained that the series of activities began with a visit to the Deputy Mayor of Yokosuka City, Kazuhiro Hirasawa, on Monday. ‘The meeting took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere as a manifestation of strengthening the friendship between the Yokosuka City Government and the Indonesian Navy,’ Tunggul said. The meeting was used to enhance communication and build synergy in supporting security and the smooth running of maritime activities during the KRI GNR-332’s presence in Yokosuka. The delegation subsequently visited the Chief of the Yokosuka Coast Guard Office, Rear Admiral Kondo Shuji. During the meeting, both parties exchanged information and discussed opportunities for cooperation in the fields of shipping safety, maritime security, and strengthening professional relations between the coast guard and the navy. According to Tunggul, the meeting served as a momentum to strengthen relations and enhance cooperation between the Indonesian Navy and the United States Navy. He expressed hope that the courtesy call would further strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan while reinforcing military cooperation between the two countries.