Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia for the Passing of KRI Nanggala-402 Crew Members and the Chief of Papua Intelligence Agency (Kabinda Papua), 26 April 2021, the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta Province

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

On behalf of the Government and all Indonesian people, I would like to offer my deep condolences for the passing of 53 Indonesian Navy members aboard the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine during the course of their duty in the northern waters of Bali Island. They are the nation’s best men, the best patriots who safeguarded national sovereignty. Their service will be engraved in the heart of all Indonesian people. May the soldiers of the Hiu Kencana Corps have the best place by the side of the One Almighty God and may the families they left behind be given acceptance, patience, and fortitude.

The state will give an award of promotion from their current rank to the next higher rank and Jalasena medal of honor for our best soldiers’ dedication, service, and sacrifice. The Government will also guarantee the education of the KRI Nanggala-402 members’ children up until bachelor’s degree.

I would also like to express my highest appreciation and respect to the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), Indonesian National Police (Polri), the National Search and Rescue Agency, the Maritime Security Agency, the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology, and the National Transportation Safety Committee, as well as all other parties that I cannot name one by one that have made their best effort to find the KRI Nanggala-402. I would also like to offer my appreciation to the friendly countries that took part in the search effort for KRI Nanggala-402 submarine.

I have also received report from Commander of the TNI and Chief of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) on the death of Kabinda Papua Brigadier General I Gusti Putu Danny Nugraha Karya during an armed conflict against the KKB (armed criminal separatist group) in Dambet village, Beoga district, Puncak Regency, Papua province, on Sunday afternoon, 25 April 2021.

On behalf of the people, the nation, and the state, I’d like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and people he left behind. Let us all pray for the late Brigadier General I Gusti Putu Danny. May he have the best place by the side of the One Almighty God. The state will award the late Brigadier General I Gusti Putu Danny a promotion to the next higher rank for his dedication, service, and sacrifice.

I have also ordered Commander of the TNI and Chief of the National Police to continue to pursue and arrest all members of the KKB. Let me underscore that there is no place for armed criminal groups in the land of Papua or anywhere in Indonesia.

I think that concludes my remarks on this auspicious occasion.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (SA/LW)