Indonesian Navy forms task force to bring home frigates from Italy.

According to information published by Kompas on July 29, 2024, Rear Admiral Sumarji Bimoaji has been given a special assignment as the Commander of the Task Force for the Acquisition of a FREMM Frigate. This assignment is related to the purchase of a new frigate from Italy.
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Thaon di Revel-class offshore patrol vessel Paolo Thaon di Revel. (Picture source: Fincantieri)

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has procured two units of Pattugliatore Polivalente d'Altura (PPA) or Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) from the Italian shipyard Fincantieri. These OPVs can also function as frigates similar to the FREMM (Frigate European Multi-Mission).

Under the agreed contract, the first vessel is scheduled for delivery in October 2024, with the second ship expected to arrive in April 2025. Bimoaji's specific task involves overseeing the arrival of both ships.

He will be liaising with Fincantieri and the Italian Navy to facilitate the ships' transfer from Italy to Indonesia. His duties are related to the acquisition and transportation of these vessels from Italy to Indonesia.

Earlier this year, Bimoaji commanded the Task Force for the Port Visit to Egypt, which included the Indonesian Navy Ship KRI dr Radjiman Wedyodiningrat-992.

This mission delivered humanitarian aid to victims affected by the conflict in Gaza in March. KRI dr Radjiman successfully navigated the conflict-prone Red Sea, following the route Jakarta-Belawan-El Arish-Jeddah-Batam-Jakarta.

The humanitarian aid mission included 242 tons of logistics, consisting of food, medicine, blankets, and clothing for adults and children. KRI dr Radjiman carried 214 personnel, including special forces units from the Indonesian Navy such as the Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion (Taifib), Frogman Command (Kopaska), and Jala Mangkara Detachment.