BANYUWANGI – Defense Minister (Defense Minister) Ryamirzad Ryacudu inspected ship production and inaugurated the tank boat prototype (battleship) first in the world, in the Banyuwangi shipping industry. Accompanied by Regent Abdullah Azwar Anas, The Minister of Defense admitted that he was amazed by the development and technology of this sophisticated ship.
The tank boat is called "Antasena" which is produced by PT Lundin, manufacturer of advanced technology ships based in Banyuwangi, in collaboration with PT Pindad Indonesia and CMI Defense, defense industry from Belgium.
“We are here to see the progress of ship development. The results are very good, very proud. Our nation is capable of making good ships, Many other countries have even ordered it,said the Minister of Defense.
This tank boat is special because it is a combat ship that can be operated not only at sea but also in small waters such as coastal areas, really, and rivers. A ship with these specifications has never been produced before by the world shipping industry.
Ryamizard continued, The tank boat development program started one year ago. The ship industry in Banyuwangi is trusted to produce ships with PT Pindad because it is considered to have experience producing ships with advanced technology. It has even fulfilled many international military orders, such as from Russia.
"We are targeting that next year the ship will be operational. This ship will later be operated in areas where there are many rivers and swamps, such as Kalimantan and Papua,added the Minister of Defense.
President Director of PT Pindad Abraham Mose said, his party is collaborating with the Banyuwangi shipping industry based on recommendations from the Ministry of Defense. Banyuwangi industry produces the ships, while Pindad builds its canon.
“So this is indeed a new product that has never existed in the world. This tank ship is equipped with a cannon caliber 105 mm which is just right to accelerate and destroy enemy ships," he said.
Director of PT Lundin, Liza Lundin said, This tank boat is made with a double hull or is called a catamaran. The dimensions of the bottom of the ship are only one meter high, so it can enter small bodies of water such as rivers and swamps.
“This is a tank but in the shape of a boat. So it becomes a flexible combat ship. For example, if you used to chase robbers, The patrol boat had trouble when pirates from the sea entered the river because the patrol boat was too big. Nah, with this tank boat you can," explained Liza.
Regent Abdullah Azwar Anas expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Defense for entrusting the production of state defense equipment to be produced in Banyuwangi.
"This tank boat production proves that the domestic ship industry has high competitiveness in global competition, while supporting President Jokowi's maritime vision,Said Anas.
