Jakarta, March 7, 2026 – The Europe Today: An Indonesian Navy warship conducted a port visit in South Africa this week as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the naval forces of Indonesia and South Africa, the Indonesian Navy said on Saturday.
The visit took place while the Indonesian Navy vessel KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 was returning to Indonesia after completing activities in Italy, according to an official statement issued by the Indonesian Navy in Jakarta.
Indonesian Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Tunggul said the port call was led by the ship’s commanding officer, Navy Colonel Kurniawan Koes Atmadja, as part of Indonesia’s ongoing naval diplomacy initiatives aimed at enhancing international cooperation.
During the visit, several representatives from the Indonesian Embassy and officers of the South African Navy boarded and toured KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 while the vessel was docked.
Following the port visit activities, the ship’s commander and officers, accompanied by Indonesia’s Defence Attaché in Pretoria Marine Colonel Guntur Alamsyih, paid a courtesy call to FOF Simon’s Town Naval Base.
The Indonesian delegation was received by Rear Admiral Handsome Thamsanga Matshane of the South African Navy during a meeting held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.
During the meeting, representatives of both navies exchanged commemorative plaques as a symbol of friendship and cooperation between the Indonesian Navy and the South African Navy.
As part of the program, the delegation also visited the City of Cape Town, where they were welcomed by Alderman James Vos, a member of the city’s mayoral committee.
Discussions during the visit underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral relations through maritime engagement and enhanced communication between government and military institutions.
Rear Admiral Tunggul said the port visit forms part of Indonesia’s broader naval diplomacy strategy aimed at expanding international partnerships and reinforcing ties with friendly nations.
He noted that such interactions help improve mutual understanding among naval personnel while opening opportunities for future cooperation in maritime operations and professional exchanges.
Indonesia hopes the engagement will further deepen bilateral relations with South Africa and contribute to broader maritime cooperation between the two countries.
Naval diplomacy missions involving Indonesian warships are regularly carried out to strengthen partnerships, promote confidence-building measures, and support stability in international maritime regions.
The voyage of KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 also serves to showcase the professionalism and operational capability of Indonesian Navy personnel to international partners.
