Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The expedition ship "Spirit of Majapahit" arrived on its fourth stopover in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on Monday morning local time.
Based on a press release received here on Tuesday, the replica ship of Majapahit had left the Philippines on June 2, 2016, and it arrived at the Port of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, on Monday at around 10 a.m. local time.
Since the expedition ship was seen off by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Rizal Ramli on May 1, its arrival in Taiwan was welcomed by Head of the Indonesia Economic and Trade Office to Taiwan (IETO), represented by Director of IETO's Tourism and Transportation Agung Sepande and Secretary General of Kaohsiung City's Mayor Ying-Pin Lin.
The ship's arrival was also welcomed by head of Kaohsiung Port, Directorate General of Taiwan Immigration Yang, Kuen-Jung, representative of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs T.B. Haeru Rahayu, the people of Kaohsiung city and Indonesian citizens residing in Kaohsiung.
"The expedition once again showcases to the world the past glory of the Indonesian archipelago," Sepande stated while expressing his gratitude for the good condition of the crew on the way to Kaohsiung.
Sepande was also grateful for the assistance and sound cooperation extended to welcome the expedition ship.
While awaiting the departure of the ship to Japan on June 8, the public is allowed to take a tour of it.
The ship will continue to sail to its final destination in Japan.
Since it set sail on May 11, the replica ship of Majapahit has coursed through Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines.
The timber ship, measuring 20 x 4.5 meters, successfully docked at Pontianak, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, as its first stopover on May 14-17, 2016.
The ship then made a halt at Brunei Darussalam and Manila, the Philippines, as its second and third stopover locations along the expedition.
After the fourth stopover in Taiwan, the ship will continue to head to Japan after Okinawa and will dock at the harbor in Tokyo at the end of June 2016 as its final destination.
The expedition is expected to restore the love of the sea among the younger generation, which will help to uphold the spirit of Nawacita and transform Indonesia into a global maritime axis.
Nawacita comprises nine ideals promoted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo's administration, which include reforming the legal system and its enforcement process to be free of corruption, upholding dignity and trust, as well as strengthening Indonesia's identity as a maritime nation. (WDY)
