Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), here on Monday, announced promotion for 53 fallen crew members of the Indonesian Navy's submarine KRI Nanggala-402 that sank in the Bali waters to a level higher.
Jokowi also bestowed the "Jalasena" star medals to honor the fallen heroes and provided scholarships to their children until they receive undergraduate degrees.
"The state will reward them with a rank promotion to one level higher and Jalasena service stars for the dedication and sacrifice of the best soldiers," he stated.
The president noted that the government and the people of Indonesia are deeply saddened by the deaths of 53 soldiers of the Kencana Shark (Hiu Kencana) Corps.
The KRI Nanggala-402 crew are the best sons of the nation and the best patriots to guard the country's sovereignty, he remarked.
The services of these soldiers will continue to be etched in the hearts of the Indonesian people, he added.
"Hopefully, the souls of the Hiu Kencana warriors would rest in the best place beside the Almighty God, and the families left behind will be given grace, strength, and patience," he affirmed.
The KRI Nanggala-402 submarine became untraceable on Wednesday (April 22) during live torpedo training exercises off the Indonesian holiday island of Bali.
The 40-year-old submarine was found split into three pieces on the sea bed after five days of search efforts. All the vessel's 53 crew have been confirmed dead. Indonesia's Navy officials confirmed of having received signals from the sub's location more than 800 meters deep early on Sunday.
An underwater rescue vehicle, loaned by Singapore, was sent down to get visual confirmation of the wreckage.
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