Navy told to heed personnel

Navy told to heed personnel

SURABAYA (JP): President Soeharto told the Navy yesterday that
although its equipment is continuously modernized, it should
never neglect its human resources.

"The Navy needs personnel who are strongly committed to the
Armed Forces' oaths," he said when addressing the 51st
commemoration of Naval Fleet Day.

The President, who is the country's supreme commander of the
Armed Forces, said the Navy needs more sophisticated equipment to
safeguard Indonesia's vast archipelagic territory.

On hand were Vice President Try Sutrisno, Armed Forces Chief
Gen. Feisal Tanjung, Navy chief Vice Admiral Arief Kushariadi,
Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono and Minister of Tourism, Post
and Telecommunications Joop Ave.

After addressing the ceremony, Soeharto also inaugurated a 31-
meter-tall monument called Jalesveva Jayamahe located on top of a
29-meter-tall building overlooking the sea.

The 360-ton bronze monument, built by well-known sculptor
Nyoman Nuarta, portrays a dedicated marine who is prepared for
any challenge standing in his way.

The monument, located in Dermaga Ujung, houses a diorama on
the history of the Indonesian Navy.

Marking the dedication of the monument, the President struck a
gong. Five meters in diameter, the 2.4-ton brass gong is believed
to be the world's largest.

President Soeharto awarded Jalesena Nararia medals to four
officers -- Maj. Nur Khamid, First Lt. Indropraptono, Sgt. Maj.
Wismo and Chief Corporal Paul Monica -- for their 24 years of
dedication to the Navy. (25/pan)