JAKARTA, Feb 18 (Bernama) -- Indonesia has officially commissioned its most advanced hydro-oceanographic research vessel, KRI Canopus-936, into the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) fleet, marking a significant milestone in the country’s defence modernisation and maritime capability enhancement.
Built over 36 months through a collaboration between PT Palindo Marine Indonesia and German shipbuilder Abeking & Rasmussen, TNI AL said the 105-metre-long high-technology Ocean-Going Hydro-Oceanographic Survey Vessel (BHO) was formally inducted and handed over at the Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard in Lemwerder, Germany, on Feb 12.
“The vessel stands as a tangible symbol of defence modernisation as well as the strengthening of strategic Indonesia-Germany cooperation,” it said in an Instagram post.
Manned by 93 selected personnel, the KRI Canopus-936 follows the tradition of naming hydro-oceanographic vessels after stars - symbolising guidance for sailors, as well as hope for safety and certainty in navigation at sea.
Equipped with advanced underwater sensors, the vessel is capable of mapping the seabed at depths of up to 11,000 metres and can operate for up to 60 days non-stop on long-range missions.
It is also fitted with an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) for operations in extreme environments.
Beyond research, TNI AL said the vessel will serve as a strategic asset to safeguard navigational security, protect the marine environment and support defence strategy within Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone.
The commissioning ceremony also marked the appointment of Colonel (Navy) Indragiri Yani Wardhono as Commanding Officer of KRI Canopus-936, signalling the vessel’s operational readiness.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to Germany Abdul Kadir Jailani was quoted in the post as saying that KRI Canopus-936 represents a major leap forward for Indonesia.
“This vessel not only strengthens the capacity of TNI AL but also opens a new era of independence in Indonesia’s maritime data governance,” he said.
He added that the Indonesia-Germany collaboration on the project demonstrates that strategic partnerships can produce tangible innovation for national security and the future of the nation.
-- BERNAMA
