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)