Surabaya, East Java (Antara Bali) - International maritime event Sail Tomini, to be held on September 19 at Kayubura beach in Parigi Moutong district, Central Sulawesi, will cement Indonesia's position as a maritime nation.
This was stated by Indonesian Navy Eastern Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Darwanto recently.
"Besides reiterating Indonesia's status as a maritime nation, Sail Tomini 2015 will also promote Central Sulawesi as a tourism destination before the international community," Darwanto said in a written statement, which was read out by Sea Combat Force Commander, Commodore I.N.G. Ariawan, during a show of force at the Eastern Fleet Command Base in Surabaya on Thursday.
During the ceremony involving warships and combat vehicles to support Sail Tomini, Ariawan said the sailing event had been organized by the government to improve the welfare of small islands and coastal communities.
"Sail Tomini will be part of the accelerated development and the development of maritime potential, marine resources, and tourism in Indonesia," he said.
The sailing event will also showcase a "sailing pass" with a helicopter water-jump demonstration, parachuting and a "Rubber Duck Operation" (RDO). For the "sailing pass" event, the Navy will deploy 26 warships, seven warships from friendly countries, and 11 ships from local community agencies.
"The success of Sail Tomini 2015 will set the benchmark of success for coaching, which is being handled by the Indonesian Eastern Fleet Command," he noted.
Ariawan said the show of force was the final step in checking the readiness of the personnel and material involved in the Sail Tomini event.
"If there are any deficiencies or problems, we still have the remaining time to immediately fix it," he added. (WDY)
