Jokowi Confers Military Ranks, Honors on 53 Fallen Crew Members of the Sunken Indonesian Submarine

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has bestowed posthumous military promotions and military decorations, including the Jalasena award, on 53 fallen crew members of the sunken Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala-402 on Monday, April 26. 

"The state will promote their military ranks to one level higher than at present and award them the nation's military honors Jalasena for their dedication and sacrifice to the country," said Jokowi via the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel.    

"The government will also provide scholarship to the children of the fallen sailors of the KRI Nanggala-402 until they receive bachelor’s degrees," the President said.

The President is deeply saddened by the death of the 53 Indonesian sailors of the sunken submarine KRI Nanggala-402.

Also read: Indonesian Navy Declares the Submarine KRI Nanggala-402 Sunk

He emphasized that they were the best country's men who protect the country's sovereignty.

"Their dedication will lie in the hearts of the people of Indonesia," said the Jokowi.

"Hopefully the souls of the Hiu Kencana [Kencana Shark] warriors may rest in the best place beside the Almighty God and their families will be given grace, patience, and strength," said Jokowi.

Indonesia Military (TNI) commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto confirmed on Sunday that all the crew members of the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine had died. 

Also read: BREAKING NEWS: 53 Crew Members of KRI Nanggala 402 Submarine Have Fallen, Says Indonesia Military Commander