Southeast Asia's largest naval training sailing ship, the KRI Bima Suci from Indonesia, arrived at Sai Gon - Hiep Phuoc Port on the morning of 10/5, commencing a four-day goodwill visit to Ho Chi Minh City. Led by Captain Sugeng Hariyanto, the ship carries 345 officers, sailors, and cadets.

A welcoming ceremony was held, attended by Colonel Le Dinh Nghi, Deputy Chief of Staff of Naval Region 2 Command, alongside representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the Vietnam People's Navy, Coast Guard Region 3 Command, Ho Chi Minh City Command, and the Department of External Relations of the Ministry of National Defense. Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam Adam Mulawarman Tugio and Indonesian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Carolina Tinangon were also present.

Following the ceremony, the ship's crew and band performed a traditional drum and brass parade at the port. This performance is a customary activity for Indonesian naval cadets during their training voyages on the KRI Bima Suci, conducted each time they visit a partner country's port.

During their stay, the ship's commander and crew will lay wreaths at the President Ho Chi Minh Monument, pay courtesy calls to Ho Chi Minh City leaders, visit leaders of Military Region 7, and engage in exchange and diplomatic activities with officers and soldiers of Naval Region 2 and local residents.

Ambassador Adam Mulawarman Tugio highlighted the visit as a key event in the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) 2026 program, which brings together naval cadets from 26 nations, including Vietnam. He mentioned that three Vietnamese officer cadets have been participating in the voyage with the ship since its departure from Surabaya, Indonesia.

The Indonesian navy training sailing ship arrived at Ho Chi Minh City port on 10/5. *Photo: TTXVN*

As part of APCS 2026, the KRI Bima Suci departed Surabaya port on 26/3, traveling through Jakarta, Belawan, Sri Lanka, and Singapore before reaching Ho Chi Minh City.

Commissioned in 2017, the KRI Bima Suci stands as Southeast Asia's largest naval training sailing ship. It measures 111 meters in length and 13.6 meters in width, with a displacement of 2,346 tons. The vessel features three main masts with 26 sails, the tallest mast reaching 49 meters from the top deck.

According to Consul General Carolina Tinangon, this is the Indonesian navy's most modern training sailing ship, equipped with advanced navigation devices and digital data transmission capabilities.

Indonesian naval cadets in seal costumes performed with drums at Sai Gon - Hiep Phuoc Port on 10/5. *Photo: TTXVN*

Beyond its role in training naval officers in celestial navigation and sea navigation skills, the KRI Bima Suci has participated in numerous international races, achieving several accolades. The Indonesian navy's training sailing ship previously visited Hai Phong port in 2024.