KRI Bima Suci Launched for Replacing KRI Dewaruci

Vigo, Spain (Antara Bali) - Indonesian Defense Minister, Ryamizard Ryacudu, helped to launch the KRI Bima Suci, which will replace the legendary tall ship KRI Dewaruci, at the Contruccion Navales Freire Shipyard in Vigo, Spain on Monday.

"The launching ceremony of KRI Bima Suci was witnessed by Indonesias fifth president, Megawati Soekarnoputri, Indonesian Ambassador to Spain Yuli Mumpuni, Navy Chief of Staf, Admiral Ade Supandi, Freire Shipyard President, Jesus Freire, among others.

Megawati's attended the launching ceremony of KRI Bima Suci in response to an invitation by Jesus Freire, who knew of the strong bond between Megawati and KRI Dewaruci.

KRI Bima Suci was launched in Spain to replace German's made KRI Dewaruci, which will soon retire after having served as part of the Indonesian Navy fleet for more than 60 years.

In his address during the launch, Ryacudu conveyed congratulation and his appreciation to Freire Shipyard for its success in building the Indonesian Navy's training ship KRI Bima Suci. In the story of Mahabarata, Bima Suci was the ancestor of Dewaruci.

"It is our hope that Freire Shipyard is able to finish the work of the training ship in accordance with the schedule and contract, so that it can be operated to educate prospective officers of the Navy," Ryacudu said.(WDY)