Indonesia Bolsters Naval Power with Arrival of Flagship KRI Brawijaya After Landmark Voyage
Lampung, Indonesia – The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has significantly enhanced its maritime capabilities with the arrival of KRI Brawijaya, its first Multipurpose Combat Ship (PPA), also known as a Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura. The vessel concluded a six-week journey from Italy, reaching Lampung Naval Base on Sumatra Island via the Sunda Strait, marking a pivotal moment for Indonesia’s naval modernization.
The Brawijaya now stands as Indonesia’s largest and most advanced surface combatant, representing a considerable leap forward in the nation’s ability to project power and secure its vast maritime interests. Originally constructed for the Italian Navy, the ship’s delivery underscores Indonesia’s growing ambition to become a leading naval force in the region.
A Voyage of Partnership and Training
The Brawijaya’s voyage was more than just a transit; it was a exhibition of Indonesia’s commitment to fostering naval partnerships. During its journey through the Mediterranean, Suez Canal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean, the ship made strategic port calls in Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka. These visits served to strengthen diplomatic ties and lay the groundwork for future collaborative efforts.
Throughout the voyage, a team of TNI AL special forces was embedded aboard, ensuring security and providing valuable operational experience.
Joint Exercises Enhance Interoperability
The Brawijaya actively participated in a series of joint exercises with allied navies,showcasing its capabilities and enhancing interoperability. These drills included:
Mediterranean Sea: Exercises with the Egyptian Navy’s FREMM frigate, ENS Tahya Misr (FFG 1001), and Indonesia’s own KRI Sultan Iskandar muda (367), a Diponegoro-class corvette.
Red Sea: Collaborative training with the Italian Navy’s Andrea Doria-class air warfare destroyer, ITS Caio Duilio (D 554).
Arabian Sea: Joint drills with the UAE’s Gowind-class corvette, UAEN Bani yas (P110).
These exercises focused on critical areas such as air defence, electronic warfare, and replenishment-at-sea, preparing the Brawijaya and its crew for a range of potential scenarios.
Strategic Implications for Indonesia
The arrival of the KRI Brawijaya is a notable advancement for Indonesia, which possesses the world’s largest archipelagic state.The ship’s advanced capabilities will be crucial in safeguarding Indonesia’s extensive maritime borders, protecting vital sea lanes, and responding to regional security challenges.
The Brawijaya* is expected to play a key role in Indonesia’s efforts to modernize its navy and assert its role as a major player in the Indo-Pacific region. Further acquisitions of similar vessels are planned, signaling a long-term commitment to strengthening indonesia’s naval power.
Keywords: Indonesia, Navy, KRI Brawijaya, Naval Modernization, Maritime Security, indo-Pacific, Military, Defense, Joint Exercise, TNI AL, Italian Navy, Egyptian Navy, UAE Navy.
