The crew on board the Corvette sigma-class KRI Frans Kaisiepo (FKO)-368, part of the TNI Konga XXVIII-N/UNIFIL Maritime Task Force (MTF), remained on high alert as it cruised through the Gulf of Aden, Somalia, on its approach to Port Said, Egypt, on Friday, December 23, 2022. This is done so that the soldier can maintain a high level of self-awareness and battle instincts.

Soldiers are arranged for war watch at a certain hour, with the Combat Information Center (PIT) serving as the command center. Soldiers from the KRI-FKO are allocated to battle positions, as are Kopaska shooters. Remember, battle guard soldiers are armed with firearms, live ammo, bulletproof vests, and combat helmets.

Marine Lieutenant Colonel (P) John David Nalasakti Sondakh, Commander of the KRI FKO-368 Corvette and Commander of the MTF TNI Konga 28-N Task Force (Dansatgas), said that the role of war watch must be carried out with a high level of vigilance and alertness, keeping safety and security in mind.

Also read: Finally, Greek Corvette Development in partnership with Fincantieri

“In general, pirates survey and examine their targets throughout the day before launching attacks at night.” Thirty-one speedboats carrying seven to nine passengers each were identified as heading south to the Port of Aden and approaching the Bab el Mandeb Strait. “We have to plan for the worst-case scenario,” said Lieutenant Colonel John David Nalasakti Sondakh.

The Chief of Naval Staff (Kasal), who is currently TNI Commander Admiral TNI Yudo Margono, highlighted that the TNI AL is dedicated to actively contributing in all efforts to promote world peace under the 1945 Constitution.

As a form of strengthening the development of strength and the function of diplomacy, the Indonesian Navy has always been actively participated in every international event by allocating assets and personnel, as a form of equality between the Indonesian Navy and the navies of modern countries across the world.

The MTF TNI Konga XXVIII-N/UNIFIL Task Force has 102 crew members, including nine helicopter pilots and crew members, as well as health officers, intelligence officers, psychological officers, information officers, legal officials, kopaskas, and divers. The Panther HS-1306 Puspenerbal Helicopter, according to the Indonesian Navy Information Service, is also aboard this Corvette.

The corvette KRI Frans Kaisiepo (368) is the fourth vessel of the Indonesian Navy’s SIGMA class. The corvette KRI Frans Kaisiepo was constructed for the Indonesian Navy beginning in 2006 by the Schelde shipyard in the Netherlands. Anti-surface, anti-submarine, and anti-aircraft capabilities, serving as a patrol vessel.

*Cover image: Indonesian Navy Corvette KRI Frans Kaisiepo (@ Indonesian Navy/TNI AL).