Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo was awarded the Golden Shark brevet by the Indonesian Navy during a ceremony aboard the Republic of Indonesia Ship (KRI) dr. Radjiman Widyodiningrat (RJW-992) in Jakarta Bay on Saturday. The brevet was presented by the Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto.

Admiral Muhammad Ali, Chief of Naval Staff, explained that the award recognizes Jokowi's support in strengthening the Indonesian Navy, especially its submarine fleet. He noted that Jokowi’s administration has helped acquire new submarines to boost naval capabilities.

"Almost all previous presidents have received the Golden Shark brevet for their service, from Sukarno to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, even Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah from Brunei,” Admiral Ali said.

During the ceremony, the Samkaryanugraha honorary medal was also given to the commander of the Submarine Unit of the Second Fleet Command for the crew of KRI Nanggala 402.

After the formalities, Jokowi and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto enjoyed a naval demonstration showcasing dozens of ships and aircraft conducting maneuvers. They sat together on the KRI Radjiman and waved back to Navy personnel during the parade.

Admiral Muhammad Ali highlighted that around 55 naval ships and 25 aircraft participated in the display to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the TNI.

The event also involved special operations units from the Indonesian Navy and collaborations with maritime agencies like the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) and the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, as well as local fishermen.

About 500 citizens were invited to join the sailing on KRI Wahidin and KRI Banda Aceh, where they waved at President Jokowi as the ships passed by.

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