Indonesian Navy: Strength – Duties – Abilities

Review by : Yuli SE., MM

Have you ever heard about The Indonesian Navy? Maybe not. As one of Indonesian Military Power, The Indonesian Navy (or commonly abbreviated as TNI Navy or TNI-AL) is one of the branches of the army forces. It is part of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) with responsible for the defense operations of the Republic of Indonesia at sea. (see also: Indonesian Heroes)

First, TNI Navy was formed on September 10, 1945 which at the time of its establishment was formerly named Badan Keamanan Rakyat (BKR Laut/Sea) which is part of the People’s Security Agency.

The Navy was led by a Navy Chief of Staff (KASAL, Kepala Staf Angkatan Laut). That Navy Chief of Staff became the highest leader in the Navy Headquarters (MABESAL). Since December 31 2014, Admiral Adi Supandi was officiates as Navy Chief of Staff, he’s also replacing Marsetio TNI Admiral after he retired.

There are two fleets of Indonesian Navy. First, West Fleet is in Tanjung Priok, Jakarta there’s also the second is the East Fleet is on Tanjung Perak, Surabaya. Beside those fleets, there’s one Military Cross Traffic Command (Kolinlamil). The Navy also supervises the Marine Corps. (See also: Flag of Indonesia)

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History

The history of the Navy begins on 10 September 1945. First off all, after the initial proclamation of independence of Indonesia state, the initial government administration of Indonesia established the Marine Security Agency (BKR). (See also: Indonesian Lifestyle)

Meanwhile, Indonesian Veteran Sailors were command the BKR. Those veteran sailors had served in Koninklijke Marine (Royal Dutch Navy) during the Dutch colonial period. They also served Kaigun during the Japanese occupation.

The establishment of an Indonesian military organization known as the People’s Security Army (Tentara Keamanan Rakyat) also helping to increase the popularity of TKR Laut. The TKR further known as the Navy of the Republic of Indonesia (ALRI), with all its strengths and capabilities. Many Naval Bases were established, the shipping vessels of the Japanese Shipping Bureau were empowered, and their comrade personnel were recruited to meet the demands of the duty as the newly formed Republic’s naval guard. (See Also: Indonesia Language)

During 1949-1959 the ALRI succeeded in perfecting its strength and improving its ability. In the field of Organizations ALRI was forming 3 fleets. First Fleet, is the Marine Corps which was then change to Naval Command Corps (KKO-AL/Korps Komando Angkatan Laut). The second is Naval Aviation. The last is a number of Maritime Area Command as the sea territorial command of defense aspect.

In the 90’s, the Navy also received additional strength in the form of warships from Corvette type, Parchim Class. There are also landing craft tanks (LST) class ‘Frosch’, and Kondor Class Mine Sweepers. The addition of this power is still actually far from the needs and demands of the task. Especially during this multidimensional crisis that demands an increase in operation but the acquisition of support is very limited.

However, until now, The Indonesian Navy is still building more and more powers to becoming the best navy in the SEA, or also even the world. (See also: Surabaya War)

Duty

Accordance to the Law No. 34 chapter 9 of 2004 about TNI , the Navy has these duty:

Carry out the tasks of TNI in the field of marine defense.
Enforce the law and maintain the security in the territorial sea of national jurisdiction in accordance with the provisions of national law and ratified international law. (See also:Indonesian Landmarks)
Carry out the tasks of naval diplomacy in order to support the foreign policy settled by the government.
Carry out the tasks of TNI in the development and establishment of maritime forces
Implement the empowerment of marine defense areas. (See also: Indonesian Cultures)

Beside the informations provided above, these are also an interesting thing you might want to know about them, their Strength. Check these out :

Strength

The name of the ship owned by TNI always starts with KRI, abbreviation of Warship of the Indonesian Republic. In addition there is also a ship that begins with KAL, stands for Naval Ship.

The Indonesian Navy also use the numbering system with the purpose to distinguish each ship. The name of the ship varies, ranging from the names of Heroes, Bays, and also the animals.

Warships

KRI has 167 ships, and divided into three groups :

1. Striking Force consists of 51 KRI that has strategic weaponry:

3 Changbogo class submarines. (See also: Indonesian Politics)
2 Cakra class submarines.
6 Ahmad Yani class Frigates . (See also: Indonesian Heritage)
3 Fatahillah class Frigates.
1 Ki Hajar Dewantara Class Frigates.
2 Frigate class SIGMA 10514.
3 Bung Tomo class Corvette. (See also: Indonesian Martial Arts)
4 SIGMA Class Corvette (Ship Integrated Geometrical Modularity Approach).
15 Parchim class anti-submarine corvettes.
2 Clurit class-fast missile vessels.
2 fast torpedo boats of Ajak class.
4 flagship missiles of Mandau class.
2 boats (grants from Brunei) of Salawaku class.
Lastly, 2 Rush Rush of Rengat Island class. (See also: Indonesian Education System )

2. Patrolling Force, consists of 53 Ships.

First of all are 10 ships class Pandrong made by PT. PAL.
1 Fast ships made by Fasharkan TNI AL 40 meters of Krait class.
2 Fast ships made by Fasharkan 40 meters Tarihu class 25 Fiber boats made by Fasharkan TNI AL of Boa class.
15 Sibarau class PC boats.

3. Supporting Force, consists of 63 ships. Those are :

7 freight tank of Langsa Bay class.
4 haul tank of Watermelon Bay class.
2 haul tanks of Banten Bay class. (See also: Scouting in Indonesia)
14 transport tanks of Frosch Class.
2 transport tanks of NSU and KPG classes.
6 Landing Platform Dock of Makassar Class. (See also: Christmas in Indonesia )
1 headquarters of Multatuli class.
6 mine sweepers of Condor classes.
5 liquid oil aid : ARN, SRG, SGG, SMB, BPP. (See also: Wildfire in Indonesia)
1 Hospital Assistance Dr. Suharso.
2 postponement aids Soputan Class.
4 general aids : KMT, MTW, NTU, WGO. (See also: Ramadhan in Indonesia)
1 aerial transport personnel of Tanjung Kambani class.
2 auxiliary personnel of Tanjung Nusanive class.
3 Hydroseanographic auxiliaries of Rondo Island class.
1 Hydroseanographic auxiliary class of Twin Gods.
2 trainers. ( See also: Buddhism in Indonesia)

Beside of those ships, Indonesian navy also has more forces like Supporting Patrol ships. Which is for supporting navy Bases. Also carrying out patrol duties and other supporting tasks. There’s also some aircrafts. The Navy also has Aircrafts or course, which contain of 82 units. Lastly, they also have landing troops. The troops contain about 437 combat vehicles. That’s a lot. Also, All of them are important.

Future Plans

The Navy has plans, actually for the many years to come. Based on the 2005-2024 Power Development Plan, the operational structure of the Navy will be changed where two existing fleet commands (Western Fleet Command and also Eastern Fleet Command) will be merged into a fleet led by a three-star admiral which based in Surabaya.

TNI Navy will also divide into 3 three Indonesian Fleet Commanders in Indonesia, which are the West Fleet Command in Jakarta, Central Fleet Command in Makassar, and East Fleet Command in Sorong, Papua. In addition, there will also be a number of new Lantamals (Navy Main Base), they are Lantamal Sorong, Lantamal Pontianak, and lastly Lantamal Tarakan.

Finally, that’s it, Facts of about Indonesian Navy Strength. They are so powerful and yet always their duty as an army. Protecting peoples, and also bringing peace to the country. With all their strength, they will repell almost everything that threatening Indonesia. Seems like Indonesia is still secure, for years to come. As a result of their very honored job, to protect Indonesia. Have a great day everyone !

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