Today, KRI Balongan-908 officially began its assignment at Koarmada III. The welcoming of the arrival of KRI Balongan-908, after completing the sea trial, was led by the Chief of Staff of Koarmada III, First Admiral TNI Singgih Sugiarto, ST, M.Sc., representing the Commander of Koarmada III, Rear Admiral TNI Hersan, SH, M.Sc., at Lantamal XIV Pier, Sorong, Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
In the remarks of the Pangkoarmada III which were read by the Kas Koarmada III, a welcome was conveyed to the Commander and all Soldiers of KRI Balongan-908 in Sorong, Southwest Papua. KRI Balongan-908 will strengthen the ranks of the Koarmada III Auxiliary Ship Unit (Satban) in helping to guard the waters in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia, especially in the Maluku and Papua regions.
Furthermore, Kas Koarmada III explained that KRI Balongan-908 is a Liquid Oil Support Ship (BCM) or Oiler/Tanker Replenishment with a length of 127 meters, a width of 16 meters, and a height of 30 meters. This warship is capable of carrying a load with a carrying capacity of up to 5,500 tons and has a cruising speed of 16 knots and is capable of carrying as many as 100 ABK.
“This ship is a very important element for a fleet because with its ability to provide fuel support, lubricating oil, fresh water, and other logistical materials that are greatly needed by other elements so that the fleet can maintain the continuity of sea operations without having to carry out re-supply at the base,” explained Kas Koarmada III.
KRI Balongan-908 is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel (P) Priyanto Widodo, with a total of 98 ABK personnel. This ship is a domestic product, and the name KRI Balongan-908 is taken from the name of a city in West Java Province, namely Balongan.