Thousands Flock to Makassar Naval Base for Warship Open Day

Makassar (ANTARA) - Thousands of Makassar residents and those from surrounding areas flocked to the Main Naval Base VI (Kodaeral VI) to view and board Indonesian Navy warships during the Naval Base Open Day (NBOD) 2026 on Sunday.

Commander of Kodaeral VI, Rear Admiral Andi Abdul Aziz, stated in Makassar that the event was held to provide the public with an opportunity to become more familiar with the base, warships, and the Navy’s primary weapon systems.

“NBOD is part of the Navy’s anniversary celebrations and is an annual agenda to open up opportunities for the general public who wish to get closer and visit the primary weapon systems such as warships,” he said.

One of the most crowded locations was the Kodaeral VI Layang Pier, which opened ship visits to the public.

In addition to visiting the warships, the public watched various attractions, including a parachute jump by TNI soldiers and a performance by Sukhoi fighter jets.

The NBOD event also began with a leisurely bicycle ride participated in by Kodaeral VI personnel, taking a route from the command headquarters through several roads in Makassar city.

Andi said the activity serves as a means to introduce the Indonesian Navy and its various primary weapon systems to the public.

A visitor, Fitrah, said the event gave his family the opportunity to board a warship for the first time and see the KRI Golok-688 up close.

“This is my first experience boarding a warship and seeing the stealth ship KRI Golok directly. I feel so proud to have such a great Navy,” he said.