Rear Admiral Berkat Widjanarko, commander of Kodaeral IV, inspected several key naval installations in Natuna on Wednesday, including the Navy’s mooring facility (Faslabuh) at Selat Lampa, a docking site for warships and a strategic monitoring post overseeing surrounding waters.
“This facility plays a vital role in supporting Navy operations in Natuna,” Widjanarko said.
During the visit, Widjanarko also toured Saung Pintar, a Navy community program that provides learning spaces for children near the Sabang Mawang naval post.
The initiative aims to improve education and strengthen ties between naval personnel and coastal communities.
At the center, he distributed teaching materials and learning equipment to local students and teachers.
The delegation later inspected the Navy post in Sedanau and a nearby floating fish farm, highlighting the area’s fisheries potential that supports both the Navy’s and national food security programs.
“The floating cages are used for fish farming and also help improve local livelihoods,” Widjanarko said.
He added that the visit served to provide guidance and motivation for personnel stationed in border areas, emphasizing professionalism and community engagement.
“We hope this activity strengthens the spirit and synergy of all Navy personnel in safeguarding national defense and ensuring security in the Natuna region,” he said.
Due to its location on the front line near the South China Sea, Natuna holds strategic importance for Indonesia’s territorial defense.
The readiness of naval forces in the area was earlier reaffirmed by Joint Regional Defense Command (Kogabwilhan) I Commander Lt. Gen. Kunto Arief Wibowo.
“We are fully prepared to defend our homeland here,” Wibowo said during a visit to Natuna District, Riau Islands, on August 17.
He underscored Natuna’s role in securing Indonesia’s northern borders.
Wibowo also announced plans to upgrade military infrastructure in the region, including elevating Raden Sadjad Air Force Base to Type A status and converting the existing Marine Corps task unit into a permanent, organic force stationed in Natuna.
“These are strategic steps to enhance deterrence and strengthen national defense in the area,” he said.
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Translator: M.Nurman, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Anton Santoso
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