VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Two warships of the French Navy, participants of the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo 2018, anchor in Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, from April 22 to 24. The ships are a French Navy Ship Dixmude, an amphibious carrier and commando, and FNS Surcouf a stealth frigate. The Commander of the Patrol Ship Unit of Primary Base of Navy III, Colonel Salim, said that the crewmen of the two vessels will carry out various activities in Jakarta, including joint exercises with the Western Fleet Command of the Indonesian Navy, TNI-AL.

“The purpose of the French ships here, firstly to follow the Komodo Exercise drills. After leaving from here to Lombok, Bali, until Wednesday. They will also carry out courtesy calls to the Navy Main Base, then to the Navy Officers, the local government, the mayor, and joint sports. There will also be a boat trip. Finally there will also an invitation dinner and maritime discussion, the passing exercise with the Indonesian Western Navy Fleet Command,” said Colonel Salim to the media, on the sidelines of welcoming ceremony of FNS Dixmude and FNS Surcouf on Sunday (22/4).

Colonel Salim further added, that the arrival of FNS Dixmude and FNS Surcouf in Jakarta, is a manifestation of fellow seafarers and Naval Diplomacy. The two Vessels are also to strengthen the relationship of fellow navies around the world as well as enhance bilateral relations among countries. In connection with the two vessels' schedule visit to Bali prior to the Komodo Multilateral Naval Exercise 2018, from May 4 to 9, Colonel Salim said the French Navy will meet with a number of partners to discuss the improvement of defense relations with Indonesia. (VOI/Rezha/NT)