Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  For the first time, an Indonesian warship, KRI Diponegoro-365, has received the "German Medal" from the German Ministry of Defense for its contributions during its peacekeeping mission under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

“This award highlights Indonesia's commitment to maintaining stability and security in the Mediterranean,” said Rear Admiral I Made Wira Hady Arsanta, the Head of Navy Information Service, on Thursday (2/1/2025).

KRI Diponegoro, part of the Maritime Task Force (MTF) TNI Garuda XXVIII-O UNIFIL, worked with German forces in Lebanese waters over the past year. Its tasks included patrolling borders, preventing illegal arms smuggling, and training Lebanese Navy personnel, according to antaranews.com.

At a ceremony in Beirut on 30 December 2024, Rear Admiral Richard Kesten presented the medal to Lieutenant Colonel Wirastyo Haprabu, the Commander of KRI Diponegoro. He called the award proof of Indonesia’s dedication to its constitutional duties and UN mandates.

The mission will soon transition to KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda-367, which is en route to Lebanon.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)