TNI AL Aims to be World-Class Navy

Surabaya (Antara) - Naval Chief of Staff Admiral Marsetio said the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) must play an active role in various international events as part of efforts to create its vision and mission of being a world-class navy. Being a world-class navy is not a high-sounding promise but is a necessity according to the Indonesian Navy's vision and mission, he said after chairing a ceremony marking the Navy's 67th Education Day here on Monday. "World-class navy means that the TNI AL will be able to always stay at the forefront of the battle to safeguard the sovereignty of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia and to attend all international events, including taking an active part in the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon," he said. In addition, the TNI AL also has sent its warships to take part in joint exercise in Australia and introduced itself to other countries through KRI Deawruci sails, he said. "The participation in international events is part of the government's diplomacy conducted by the TNI AL. We have done it and will continue to intensify it," he said. The vision to make the TNI AL a world-class navy can also be achieved by developing and promoting the quality of its educational institution, he said. (*)