"With our deepest condolences, the TNI AL confirms that Marine Lance Corporal Zaenal Mutaqim has fallen as one of our best soldiers," Head of the Navy Information Office Rear Admiral Tunggul said in Jakarta on Sunday.
He explained that Mutaqim, who served in Amphibious Reconnaissance Detachment 1, lost his life after encountering difficulties while opening his parachute during a Rubber Duck Operation (RDO) — a Marine Corps exercise involving parachute insertion and amphibious disaster response using inflatable boats.
The RDO took place during President Prabowo Subianto's inspection of the hospital ship KRI dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat departing from the Military Sealift Command (Kolinlamil) headquarters as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
Although the accident was linked to parachute deployment procedures, Tunggul implied that Mutaqim managed to open his parachute and keep it inflated until landing on the water. However, he did not disclose the exact cause of death.
A rescue team immediately evacuated the soldier to the Kolinlamil medical post using an ambulance boat before transferring him to Gatot Subroto Army Hospital in Jakarta for intensive treatment.
After two days of care, Mutaqim passed away on Saturday (October 4). A military funeral was held in his hometown of Grobogan, Central Java.
Rear Admiral Tunggul expressed the Navy’s deepest sympathy for the loss, conveying hope that the family would find strength amid their grief.
As a mark of honor, he added, the TNI AL is considering a posthumous promotion for Mutaqim in recognition of his service and dedication to the nation.
"The late Mutaqim was an accomplished soldier with great dedication who always demonstrated a remarkable fighting spirit in every duty he carried out," Tunggul said.
He also assured that the Navy would draw lessons from the accident to improve safety standards in future operations and drills.
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Translator: Bagus A, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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