Navy launches patrol operation

JAKARTA: The Navy has launched a two-month Eskader Nusantara III patrol operation covering all of Indonesia's territorial waters.

The operation, led by Chief of the Western Naval Fleet's Battle Unit Commodore Reno Maurits Silitonga, involves hundreds of officers from the Navy's Marine Corps, as well as battle and landing units.

Among the warships taking part in the operation are KRI Nuko, KRI Untung Suropati, KRI Teluk Ende and KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara.

Western Naval Fleet Chief Rear Admiral Arief Kushariadi said at the launching ceremony at Tanjung Priok naval base on Monday that the operation aims to improve the navy's alertness against intruders. (rms)