Western Armada sets up amphibious unit

JAKARTA (JP): The Navy's Western Armada inaugurated a new unit for amphibious operations in anticipation of new ships arriving from Germany to strengthen naval defense in Indonesia's western waters.

"In dealing with actual threats, these amphibious ships will play a strategic role in supporting naval operations in this area," Western Armada Chief Commodore Arief Kushariadi said yesterday as he inaugurated the unit at the Armada's headquarters.

The Amphibious Fleets Unit was founded as Indonesia began receiving the first delivery of 39 warships it had ordered from the former arsenals of East Germany.

Commodore Arief also launched the training command unit yesterday as part of the armada's efforts to build an integrated armada system.

Arief (left in photo) inducted the chiefs of the two new units, Col. Sumardjo (right) for the amphibious unit and Col. Fachmi Djamaris (center) for the training command.

Arief said the armada will soon be receiving more ships from Germany, allowing it to further build new escorts units and minesweepers.

So far, 17 of the 39 warships ordered from Germany have arrived in Indonesia. They consist of nine minesweepers, five corvettes and three amphibious vessels. (msa/emb)