KRI Bima Suci Docks in Bitung to Support Naval Maritime Diplomacy

The Friendship Operation and Nation Ambassador Diplomacy is one of the Indonesian Navy’s strategic missions, prioritising maritime diplomacy through international voyages, cultural exchange and the strengthening of cooperation with friendly foreign navies.

Manado (ANTARA) - KRI Bima Suci docked at the Main Jetty of Naval Base (Satrol) Kodaeral VIII in Bitung, North Sulawesi, on Monday to support the implementation of the 2026 Friendship Operation and Nation Ambassador Diplomacy.

“The Friendship Operation and Nation Ambassador Diplomacy is one of the Indonesian Navy’s strategic missions, prioritising maritime diplomacy through international voyages, cultural exchange and the strengthening of cooperation with friendly foreign navies,” said Commander of Kodaeral VIII Rear Admiral Dery Triesananto Suhendi, through his Head of Information Service Lieutenant Colonel Andreas Suko Riyanto, in Manado on Monday.

Andreas said the presence of KRI Bima Suci in the Kodaeral VIII area is expected to strengthen synergy between units in supporting the Indonesian Navy’s task execution.

“This is also part of implementing the policy of the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali to build a professional, modern and formidable Indonesian Navy that can play an active role in safeguarding maritime security in the region,” he said.

During its stay in Bitung from 13-17 July 2026, KRI Bima Suci will hold an Open Ship activity, giving members of the public the opportunity to view the vessel directly.

The ship’s arrival was welcomed on behalf of Commander of Kodaeral VIII Rear Admiral Dery Triesananto Suhendi by the Head of the Port and Shipping Service of Kodaeral VIII, Colonel Wahyu Basuki Mulyo Wibowo, and his staff.

“The welcome reflects Kodaeral VIII’s support for the operation, which aims to strengthen friendship and maritime cooperation with friendly nations, while introducing Indonesia as a maritime nation with strength and seafaring culture on the international stage,” the Head of Information Service added.