2 Indonesian Navy ships in PH for 4-day goodwill visit

by Philippine News Agency | Nov 18, 2019

MANILA — Two Indonesian Navy ships, the multi-role light frigate KRI Kring Bung Tomo (357) and the Sigma-class corvette, KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda (367), docked at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila on Monday for a four-day goodwill visit which will end on Thursday.The visiting Indonesian Navy contingent, headed by Captain Amrin Rosihan, was welcomed by Sealift Amphibious Force commander, Commodore Ernesto Baldovino, who represented Philippine Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad.

Ranking Indonesian Navy officials headed by Rear Admiral I Nyoman Mandra M.Sc., Assistant for Personnel, Indonesian Navy, together with the commanding officers of the two ships, are scheduled to pay a courtesy call on the PN chief.

“Likewise, series of confidence-building engagements between the PN and Indonesian Navy are lined up, such as reciprocal receptions, goodwill games, shipboard tour and pre-coordination meeting,” PN public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said.

Also, passing exercise between the vessels of the visiting Indonesian Navy contingent and the designated PN vessel is set to cap-off the goodwill visit.

“This goodwill visit reaffirms and further strengthens the already strong relationship between the two Navies. It fortifies the PN’s firm commitment of maintaining a good relationship with other foreign navies,” Roxas added.

Aside from this, the Philippines and Indonesia, as neighbor countries with many common grounds and are both founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have a long history of maritime cooperation because of mutual regional security threats, ranging from natural calamities to piracy and terrorism. (PNA)


By Priam Nepomuceno, November 18, 2019