TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - The Indonesian Naval Army has deployed one of its battleship KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda to Lebanon earlier today to replace KRI Frans Kaisiepo. "Today, KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda departs to Lebanese waters to replace KRI Frans Kaisiepo," said Eastern Fleet Commander Admiral Sri Mohammad Darojatim.
Darojatim said that KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda carries a peace mission, along with other fleets under the United Nations flag. The battleship itself is relatively new, equipped with the ability to perform combat maneuver. The battleship, as well as its 101 crews, will be deployed for eight months.
The ship will also carry a Bolco NV 410 chopper from Squadron 400 of the Indonesian Air Force. Copilot First Lieutenant Alkautsar said that the chopper is tasked to help monitor Lebanese waters. "We are tasked with peace mission, not combat mission," he said.
EDWIN FAJERIAL