Malaysian warships visit Balikpapan

BALIKPAPAN, East Kalimantan: Three Malaysian warships have moored at the pier of Balikpapan Navy base in East Kalimantan, as part of a four-day visit to the province, starting on Thursday.

The three vessels were Royal Ship Jerong, Yu and Renchong.

Jerong and Yu warships are fast-attack craft, with a crew of 50. Rencong is a fuel tanker, whose crew numbers 35.

"The visit is aimed at strengthening ties between the navies of the two countries," said chief of Balikpapan Naval Base Lt. Col. Supriyanto on Friday.

The three vessels were observed on the same day by some 70 students at Patra Dharma elementary schools in Balikpapan. -- JP