Navy receives first domestic-built LPD ship

The Indonesian Navy has received a new Landing Platform Dock (LPD) ship, which was named KRI Banjarmasin, from state shipbuilding firm PT PAL.

The ship was handed over to the Navy by the Defense Ministry during a ceremony in Surabaya on Saturday, Antara state news agency has reported.

The ceremony was attended by Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, the Indonesian Military (TNI) chief of staff Vice Adm. Didik Heru Purnomo and Navy chief of staff Vice Adm. Agus Suhartono.

KRI Banjaramasin, which has pennant number 592,  is the first of the two Indonesian-built 125-meter LPDs by PT PAL for the Navy.

Both units by PT PAL have been modified to act as flag ships with command and control systems, 100mm gun and air defense systems.

Last year the Navy had received two LPDs from Daesun Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. of South Korea.