Indonesian Navy Launches Two Warships to Meet Minimum Essential Force

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesian Navy chief of staff Admiral Yudo Margono launched two naval ships at Bandar Abadi Batam Shipyard in Riau Islands on Wednesday, March 3. 

The launching of the warships is part of the military efforts to achieve its minimum essential force (MEF) target by 2024 as is mentioned in the third Strategic Plan (Renstra) 2019-2024.   

The two warships - the KRI AT-8 and the KRI AT-9 were renamed respectively as the KRI Teluk Weda-526 and KRI Teluk Wondama-527.

KRI Teluk Weda-526 is taken from the name of a famous bay in Central Halmahera, Weda Tengah District, North Maluku. Meanwhile, KRI Teluk Wondama-527 is taken from the name of a bay located in Papua, near Raja Ampat.

Also read: Indonesian Maritime Forces Intercept China Coast Guard Vessel in Natuna Sea

“I hope that the two naval ships can improve the performances of our duties. The new ships must be operated by professional manpower so that the operation and maintenance can be carried out optimally,” said Yudo.

Yudo went on to say that the policy of the country in supporting self-reliance in the domestic defense industry was aimed at increasing the pace of the nation's economy and the welfare of the people mainly to get through the economic crisis affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Yudo expressed hope that the national defense industry such as national shipbuilding could improve its ability to compete in the global market.

This can be done by increasing production capacity, management, and modern technology to compete with foreign competitors.

(Writer: Achmad Nasrudin Yahya | Editor: Krisiandi)

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/03/04/08383911/ksal-luncurkan-2-kri-jenis-angkut-tank-guna-penuhi-mef-iii.