Mataram (ANTARA) - French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (RP91) docked at Gili Mas Port in West Lombok district, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) province, on Tuesday.
"The arrival of this foreign flagship serves as its routine visit and a historic moment for NTB," chief of staff of the Wira Bhakti Military Resort Command, Colonel Wirawan, said after welcoming the battleship in Mataram, NTB.
Manned by over 1,780 crew members, the Charles de Gaulle measures 262 meters in length, carries a number of aircraft and is equipped with sophisticated weapons.
Wirawan said that he considers the visit of the battleship as a manifestation of the harmonious relations between Indonesia and France.
"We hope that this visit will help step up bilateral ties between the two countries, especially in the maritime sector," he added.
The officer then emphasized that the Indonesian Army (TNI AD) is ready to take all measures required to ensure the safety of the crew members during their stay in the province.
According to him, French naval officers operating the nuclear-powered flagship will visit several popular tourist destinations in NTB, such as Gili Trawangan Island, Kuta Mandalika Beach, and Benang Kelambu Waterfall.
He said he hoped that the visit would serve as a momentum for Indonesia to showcase its natural beauty and cultures to the ship's crew.
Regional secretary of the NTB, Lalu Gita Ariadi, and commander of the Mataram Naval Base, Colonel Waluyo, also welcomed the French aircraft carrier.
During the welcoming ceremony, Ariadi expressed the hope that the vessel's visit would have a positive effect on the bilateral ties between Indonesia and France and drive them to further step up cooperation in the maritime sector.
