16 April 2011

Brunei Navy Hands Over WASPADA Class Patrol Boats To Indonesian Navy

MUARA, Friday, April 15, 2011 - The handing over of two WASPADA class patrol boats, KDB WASPADA and KDB PEJUANG of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) was held this morning at the RBN Base. The Patrol boats measuring 37 meters long have been handed over to the Indonesian National Army Navy (TNI-AL).

Representing Brunei Darussalam in the handing-over ceremony was the Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) Ministry of Defence, Dayang Hajah Suriyah binti Haji Omar. While Indonesia was represented by The Honourable Mardsya Heriyanto Eris, Secretary, Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia.

Both WASPADA class boats have been in service with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) for 33 years and their services was de-commissioned in a ceremony held on 14 April 2011. During its tenure, the two boats supported various tasks of protection and maritime security. It also held a number of voyages to neighboring countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Hongkong, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

Royal Brunei Armed Forces and National Army of Indonesia has a close working relationship in various fields including exchange of courses and training, procurement, training and so forth. The ships will be used by the TNI-AL as a training boat.

Also present at the boat handing-over ceremony were senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, RBAF, RBN and TNI-AL.