"KRI Bima Suci's name is derived from a perwayangan (traditional puppet show) character, Bima, where all male and female cadets are expected to follow Bima's characteristics," KRI Bima Suci commander Lt. Col. Hastaria Dwi Prakoso said.
He conveyed the statement during a cocktail party on KRI Bima Suci in Shanghai, China, on Saturday (September 7) night.
KRI Bima Suci is docked in Shanghai from September 6 to 10 as part of its goodwill mission and Kartika Jala Krida (KJK) practical training with a total personnel of 193 people comprising 78 cadets, 17 Indonesian Navy's staff and 98 crew.
"Kartika Jala Krida is a routine annual activity, carried out by male and female cadets of the navy to train navigation in astronomy and great circles," Prakoso said.
He explained that KRI Bima Suci has three 50-meter tall main masts, named Tanggap (responsive), Tangguh (tough) and Trengginas (agile), to support 26 main sails.
"With Tanggap, cadets are expected to become individuals who have broad knowledge. With Tangguh, they are expected to become individuals with strong character, and with Trengginas, they are expected to have a strong physique," he expounded.
According to him, the visit to Shanghai is not KRI Bima Suci's first visit.
"In the last few years, the Indonesian Navvy (TNI AL) and PLA Navy have had strong relations including in carrying out their own tasks in the region," he said.
"It is hoped that going forward, we can have a better understanding and can maintain stability in the region," he added.
Saturday's cocktail party was also attended by the Shanghai Naval Base (SNB) commander, Rear Admiral Bao Daohua, the Deputy Chief of Staff of SNB, Senior Captain Wang Luming, and cadets of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
KRI Bima Suci commenced its goodwill mission and Kartika Jala Krida (KJK) practical training in Surabaya, East Java, on August 1, 2024, and will dock in several locations, such as Jakarta, Sihanoukville, Haiphong, Shanghai, Busan, Vladivostok, Yokosuka, and Manila.
In Shanghai, the ship's personnel are scheduled to carry out an open ship event, meeting with local officials, a cocktail party, a joint workout, and cultural visits.
The total time for the goodwill mission and the practical training is 90 days, comprising 57 sailing days and 33 docking days.
During that time, KRI Bima Suci is scheduled to sail for 16 days in Indonesian waters and 74 days abroad.
KRI Bima Suci is scheduled to complete its mission and arrive at its base in Surabaya on October 30, 2024.
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Translator: Desca Lidya, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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