Legislator considers sale of former KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara a sound move

Jakarta (ANTARA) - House of Representatives Commission I member Oleh Soleh has assessed the government’s plan to sell the former warship KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara as the right move.

According to him, the plan is part of the modernisation of the Indonesian Armed Forces’ primary weaponry systems (alutsista) so that Indonesia’s defence strength remains relevant to technological developments and national strategic needs.

“If the ship is indeed old and its maintenance costs are very high, I support its disposal or sale. This is part of the modernisation of the TNI’s alutsista,” he said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.

He said the required maintenance costs are not commensurate with its operational capability and benefits. In addition, the use of outdated weaponry systems can pose safety risks to personnel.

“If its operational capability has declined and its maintenance requires large costs, it must be evaluated. It should not be forced and then endanger the lives of soldiers,” said Oleh Soleh.

The sale plan was previously proposed by President Prabowo Subianto through Presidential Letter Number R-33, which was delivered to the House leadership.

The presidential letter was read out at the 2nd Plenary Meeting of the House for the First Session of the 2026–2027 Sitting Year on Tuesday (18/8).

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the House Saan Mustopa explained that the parliamentary leadership has handed over the follow-up to the presidential letter to Commission I, which oversees defence affairs.

“So, Commission I will follow up on the technical details later,” said Saan in response to ANTARA during a brief interview after the plenary meeting.

He also confirmed that Commission I will hold a meeting with relevant ministries and institutions to further discuss the sale of the KRI. However, he has not yet disclosed the schedule of the meeting.