Post

Region: Greater Middle East

LodgedFromMessages
Greater indonesia republic

Nusantara Times
March 6th, 2021

Around the world and back; the Navy's Operation Gallivant shows off blue-water capability

    | Since it's founding in 1942, the Indonesian Navy has been Southeast Asia's principal naval power. Practically carrying the bulk of Indonesia's forward defense, it's been responsible for the defense and maintenance of the nation, and have seen victories over the past century. When taking to accounts for it's power-projection capability, it has been classified as a blue-water navy, and is able to project them within regions adjacent to the archipelago.

    Admiral Siwi Sukma Adji had wanted to test said capabilities, and starting in 2019, gathered his top planners to initiate an "Indonesian Great White Fleet". When his position was replaced with upcoming Yudo Margono, the plan continued on, but remained a secret from the public during those hours.

    When the plan became public in January 2021, there was huge, and huge is an understatement in itself, of the navy's ability to conduct such a journey. But despite public skepticism and opposition from conservative politicians, the plan went ahead, and a bucket list of ship to be deployed was announced. Taking a variety of new and old ships, the Board of Staffs had planned to include these ships to see which one lasts the most, especially in non-equatorial waters.

    With all things set, the plan went into motion, and there was a sweeping wave of euphoria upon it's departure. Skepticism was almost forgotten when it departs, showing just how much the navy has cemented their influence within the general public. Eight ships in total departed, which would've included Sriwijaya, but she was barred from departing to maintain defence.

    As of this article publishing, the fleet, under Task Force Garuda had already finished it's first leg from Jakarta to Singapore, and is already en route to it's second destination in Colombo. Correspondent Budi Marhahati will be following the story on board the destroyer Balikpapan.

ContextReport