Commander of the Second Fleet, Admiral TNI Ariantyo Condrowibowo, represented by the Commander of the Second Fleet, Admiral TNI Isswarto, M.Tr.Opsla., accompanied by the Deputy Regional Chairman of Jalasenastri Armada II, Mrs. Watty Isswarto, officially released the departure of the KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda (SIM)-367 to carry out a peace mission under the flag of the United Nations (UN). The military ceremony which took place at the Madura Koarmada II Pier marked the start of the long voyage of the KRI SIM-367 as part of the Maritime Task Force (MTF) of the Indonesian Garuda XXVIII-P UNIFIL Lebanese Contingent. Whether they will feel safe enough to transit the Red Sea is unknown.
KRI SIM-367, which is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel (P) Anugerah Annurullah as well as the Task Force of the MTF TNI Contingent Garuda XXVIII-P UNIFIL Lebanon, is scheduled to take an international shipping route starting from Surabaya to Jakarta, Batam, Colombo (Sri Lanka), Salalah (Oman), via the Suez Canal, Port Said (Egypt), until finally arriving in Beirut, Lebanon.
The ship will carry out a 365-day peace mission as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), a multinational mission tasked with maintaining security stability in the region.
In the mandate of the Commander of the Second Fleet which was read by the Second Fleet Commander, it was conveyed that this mission will require professionalism, dedication, and a high fighting spirit from all soldiers. “You will interact with the navies of other countries, elements of UNIFIL, as well as local communities. Therefore, uphold the values of professionalism, tolerance, and international cooperation,” said the Commander of the Second Fleet to all personnel involved in the mission.
Lebanon is known as a region full of political and social complexity, so soldiers are asked to always be vigilant and ready to face potential threats. “Stay alert, prepare a contingency plan, and always be aware of asymmetric hazards that may occur in the operation area,” continued the mandate. This challenge is a big test that must be faced with full responsibility and honor as a representative of the nation.
The departure of the KRI SIM-367 is also proof of Indonesia’s contribution in maintaining world peace. As part of UNIFIL, this mission is expected to strengthen international cooperation and strengthen Indonesia’s position as a country that plays an active role in maintaining global security stability under the UN flag.