After undergoing a series of maintenance and repairs at PT PAL Indonesia in December 2024, KRI Bung Tomo (TOM)-357 officially departed from the Belawan Indonesian Navy Base for Colombo, Sri Lanka, in order to participate in the multilateral exercise AMAN Exercise 2025 which will take place on 7-11 February 2025 in Karachi, Pakistan.
This exercise is a routine 2 (two) yearly agenda initiated by the Pakistan Navy, aimed at strengthening global maritime cooperation in maintaining security stability in international waters. Before being sent to AMAN Exercise 2025, KRI Bung Tomo-357 underwent maintenance and repair program at PT PAL Indonesia, as part of the national warship Refurbishment program initiated by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his tenure as Indonesian Minister of Defense for the 2019-2024 period.
Production Director Diana Rosa emphasized that the optimal technical condition of the ship is the main factor in combat readiness. Rosa said that “the safety of the soldiers who crew the KRI Bung Tomo ship is an important aspect. The reliability of the ship that has gone through a comprehensive maintenance stage provides a sense of security and confidence for the soldiers. They can carry out their duties with full focus, without worrying about the technical performance of the ship during the journey of thousands of nautical miles to Pakistani waters,” said Rosa.
The repairs carried out include maintenance and repair of the ship’s hull below the waterline (BGA), cleaning of the Sea Chest strainer maintenance of BGA valves, fin stabilizers, and verification of zinc anodes, as well as maintenance and repair of the ship’s tank system and propulsion system.
As a strategic maritime industry, PT PAL Indonesia has a vital role in ensuring the readiness of the national defense fleet. Diana Rosa added, ” with regular maintenance and increased technological capabilities, Indonesian warships can continue to operate optimally in various national and international missions .”
KRI Bung Tomo-357 is also included in the defense system rejuvenation plan through the R41 Program. ” This program aims to improve the performance and combat power of the ship, including updating the weapons system, sensors, and integration of advanced technology to face modern operational challenges,” concluded Rosa.
The departure of KRI Bung Tomo-357 on a long-distance mission to AMAN Exercise 2025 confirms the high level of confidence of the ship’s crew in the readiness of their defense equipment. After going through maintenance and repair stages at PT PAL Indonesia, the ship is in prime condition to face operational challenges in international oceans.
Quoting from the official website of Armada I Command, the departure of KRI Bung Tomo-357 was led directly by the Commander of KRI TOM-357, Colonel Laut (P) Dedi Gunawan Widyatmoko, MMPol., who also acted as the Task Force Commander (Dansatgas). This mission involved the best soldiers of Koarmada I, including elements of the Frogman Command Unit (Satkopaska), Health Service (Diskes), and Underwater Rescue Service (Dislambair) of Koarmada I.
AMAN Exercise is one of the largest multilateral exercises in the Arabian Sea region involving more than 50 countries. In addition to the sea exercises, the event also includes the AMAN Dialogue in Karachi, a strategic dialogue forum among global military leaders to strengthen maritime defense and security cooperation.
Various exercise scenarios will be conducted during AMAN Exercise 2025, including Photo Exercise (PHOTEX) a ship maneuvering exercise to improve operational coordination and documentation. Miscellaneous Exercise (MISCEX) a training exercise for various tactical scenarios at sea. Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) a training exercise for rescuing victims at sea. Air Defence Exercise (ADEX) a simulation of air defense against attack threats.
The Indonesian Navy’s participation in AMAN Exercise 2025 is not only a combat training event, but also a maritime diplomacy mission that strengthens Indonesia’s relations with partner countries. With active involvement in this multilateral exercise, Indonesia demonstrates its commitment to maintaining regional stability and strengthening defense cooperation at the global level.