Ambon (ANTARA) - The Ambon IX Main Naval Base in Maluku Province on Saturday (September 7) showcased its primary weapons defense system at the Naval Base Open Day event, held to commemorate the 79th Anniversary of the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL).
"The defense exhibition aims to help the people at large know better about our defense system," Ambon IX Main Naval Base Commander Brigadier General Suwandi said here Sunday.
During the event, the naval base displayed two warships, KRI Posepa 870 and KRI Layaran 854, as well as a sea ambulance, and a sea rider boat. The defense exhibition drew not only adult visitors but also students.
"TNI AL's 79th anniversary that will be commemorated on September 10 also aims to educate people," Suwandi added.
In addition to the defense exhibition, the Ambon IX Main Naval Base has also initiated a blood donation by collaborating with the Ambon office of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) as the navy's care for sufficient stock of blood for locals.
"Residents and hundreds of navy personnel, including high-ranking officers, participated in the blood donation," he pointed out.
As the Indonesian Navy gets older, it can hopefully continue to serve the nation by rolling out various initiatives, including the blood donation activity, he said. Meanwhile, to celebrate the Navy's anniversary, on the same day, in Jakarta, the TNI AL's Fleet Command Headquarters opened a similar exhibition.
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When opening the event, Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali remarked that the TNI AL opened some of its bases for building younger generation's awareness about the fact that they are living in a vast archipelago.
Several tactical vehicles from the Marine Corps, as well as combat equipment and weapons from the Frogman Forces Command (Kopaska), were exhibited at the Fleet Command HQ. On the same occasion, the Navy provided locals with staple food packages, health services, and blood donations.
