Indonesian Navy Vessel KRI Bima Suci Visits Japan's Nagasaki in 2026 Training Tour

RRI.CO.ID, Nagasaki – The Indonesian Navy’s sail training vessel KRI Bima Suci hosted a deck reception on its main deck while docked at Dejima Pier in Nagasaki, Japan, on June 18, 2026. The voyage is part of the diplomacy mission, as well as the practical training program of the Indonesian Naval Academy.

Before arriving in Japan, the training ship, carrying 77 cadets from the Indonesian Naval Academy (AAL), had already visited Shanghai, China and Busan, South Korea. It completed the seventh leg of its voyage in Vladivostok, Russia in mid-June.

Indonesia’s Ambassador to Japan, Nurmala Kartini Sjahrir, said that KRI Bima Suci’s visit to Nagasaki from June 18–21, 2026, reflects the strong cooperation and friendship between Indonesia and Japan, a relationship that is approaching its 70th anniversary. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1958, more than a decade after the end of World War II and Indonesia’s independence.

“As part of Indonesia’s maritime diplomacy mission, the presence of KRI Bima Suci is also intended to strengthen confidence-building measures and maritime cooperation between Indonesia and Japan,” Ambassador Kartini said, according to a press release from the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

According to her, Japan views Indonesia as an important partner in developments across the Indo-Pacific region. She added that Japan regards Indonesia as one of the major countries capable of playing a significant role in the region.

The reception was attended by representatives of the Nagasaki local government, as well as senior officers of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The embassy said the event featured cultural performances by Indonesian naval cadets and a variety of traditional Indonesian cuisine.

Rear Admiral of the JSMDF, Ogawa Kunio, noted in his remarks that Indonesia and Japan share similar geographic characteristics as archipelagic nations, making maritime cooperation essential, especially amid current regional and global geopolitical challenges. According to Ogawa, the visit of KRI Bima Suci demonstrates the close relationship and cooperation between the two countries, which he hopes will continue to grow.

The cadets aboard KRI Bima Suci also staged cultural performances and a marching band show, while opening the ship to the public on June 19–20, 2026. The embassy claimed public interest among locals was notably high.

KRI Bima Suci’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel (Navy) Sugeng Hariyanto, said that the port visits play a vital role in preparing future naval officers. He said it provided valuable international experience for Naval Academy cadets.

“This visit to Nagasaki is an important part of strengthening friendship between nations while providing valuable international experience for Naval Academy cadets as future leaders of the Indonesian Navy,” he said.

KRI Bima Suci departed for Manila on Sunday, June 21, 2026, where it was formally seen off by Indonesia’s Defense Attaché in Tokyo, First Admiral TNI Hidayaturrahman. The vessel is scheduled to arrive and dock in Manila on July 2, 2026, to carry out a range of activities.