"Today, June 1, 2023, at 3:20 p.m. local time, I launch the KRI Bung Karno-369 for the ranks of the Navy," Soekarnoputri said at the ceremony, which was witnessed by the Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander, Admiral Yudo Margono, and Naval Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali.
In her speech, she said that the name of her father—the founding father of the Republic of Indonesia and first president, Soekarno—being enshrined on a state warship is a matter of pride.
"For me and my family, this is an honor," she said.
She added that Admiral Margono had told her that he wanted to put the name of the first president on a state warship.
"At that time, Mr. Yudo was not yet the TNI commander. He visited my house and told me about a state warship that was built by the people," Soekarnoputri said.
According to her, the name "Bung Karno" is closer to the people and reflects Soekarno's image as a people's figure, rather than "Prof. Ir. Soekarno".
"As the ship will travel anywhere, the name 'Bung Karno' feels closer to the people," she said.
Admiral Ali explained that the vessel's inauguration was held on Pancasila Day because Bung Karno was the formulator of Pancasila.
"This is very important, so there is a historical connection. The birthday date of Pancasila was chosen because he was also the formulator of Pancasila," he said.
Besides Soekarnoputri, Soekarno's other children, Diah Mutiara Sukmawati Soekarnoputri and Mohammad Guruh Irianto Soekarnoputra, and his grandchild, House Speaker Puan Maharani, also attended the inauguration.
KRI Bung Karno-369 is a corvette warship that was built by a domestic company, PT Karimun Anugrah Sejati, in Batam, Riau Islands, within one year.
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Translator: Genta M, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
