BUTOLPOST The Republic of Indonesia ship (KRI) Bima Suci has once again demonstrated its role as the nation’s ambassador on the international stage. The Indonesian Navy’s training ship successfully carried out a maritime diplomacy mission when it docked at Dejima Pier, Nagasaki, Japan, on 18–21 June 2026.
The visit was part of the 2026 National Ambassador Diplomacy Goodwill voyage and Kartika Jala Krida Practical Training (Lattek KJK) which brought 77 cadets from the 73rd Class of the Naval Academy (AAL). Apart from improving the abilities of the cadets, this voyage is also a symbol of the close friendship between Indonesia and Japan which is almost 70 years old.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Nurmala Kartini Sjahrir, emphasized that the presence of the KRI Bima Suci was a strategic momentum to strengthen maritime diplomacy, strengthen relations between communities, and build trust in the maritime sector between the two countries.
The Commander of the KRI Bima Suci, Marine Lieutenant Colonel (P) Sugeng Hariyanto, said that this international visit provided valuable experience for the cadets as future leaders of the Indonesian Navy as well as strengthening cooperation between the militaries of the two countries.
From the Japanese side, Rear Admiral Ogawa Kunio from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) said that Indonesia and Japan have similarities as archipelagic countries. Therefore, maritime cooperation is considered very important in facing regional and global geopolitical dynamics.
Before arriving in Japan, KRI Bima Suci had visited a number of countries, including China, South Korea and Russia. After completing the mission in Nagasaki, the ship will continue its voyage to Manila, Philippines, in early July 2026 to carry out a diplomacy, education and cultural exchange agenda.
Through this voyage, the KRI Bima Suci not only flies the Red and White in international waters, but also emphasizes Indonesia’s commitment to building maritime cooperation, expanding defense diplomacy, and strengthening friendly relations with friendly countries in the Asia Pacific region.***
