Usman-Harun Navy Ship to Patrol Eastern Indonesia: Official

Batam (Antara) - Deputy Navy Chief Vice Marshal Hari Bowo said the nation's newest navy ship, the KRI Usman Harun, is to patrol along the eastern Indonesian coast. "It will operate in the eastern Indonesian waters. But it will also be operating in other areas, if necessary," Hari said. Asked about the Singapore government's concern about the naming of Indonesia's newest ship, Hari said, "The decision is final and we have no problem," he said. Earlier, the Singapore government voiced concern over the naming of Indonesia's navy ship, which was named after two Indonesian marines, Usman and Harun. who took part in the 1965 bombing of MacDonald House on Orchard Road during the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation era. The bombing killed three people and injured 33. Following the bombing, Usman and Harun were caught and later executed in Singapore on October 17, 1968. In Indonesia, Usman and Harun were considered national heroes and their bodies were buried at the Kalibata Heroes cemetery in Jakarta. (*)