Families of crew members on board the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine, which has been declared sunk with no survivors, are making pleas for prayers for the fallen sailors as recovery efforts continue following the tragic incident.
The wreckage of the submarine, broken into three pieces, was located on Saturday at a depth of 838 meters, and the Indonesian military yesterday declared all 53 crew members dead. Authorities lost contact with the sub in the early hours of Wednesday as it prepared to conduct a torpedo drill.
After days of Indonesians hoping and praying for the sailors to be found alive, yesterday’s announcement was met with an outpouring of grief from across the country.
The family of Second Lieutenant Munawir is still hoping that his body could at least be recovered.
“He was fulfilling his duty. Every day that’s what he does. Whatever the condition, we must be strong to accept. But we still hope that he will be found in whatever condition,” Munawir’s father-in-law Lim Sukardi said.
While Ekhan Retno, the wife of Marine Major Eko Firmanto, was among those who pleaded for a prayer for her husband.
“Please pray [for him],” Ekhan said.
In his address to the nation, President Joko Widodo said: “All of us Indonesians express deep sorrow for this tragedy, especially to all the families of the submarine crew.”
“Let us all pray and hope for the best for these 53 patriots guarding the country’s sovereignty, and for the families to be given patience, fortitude, and strength.”
Navy chief of staff Yudo Margono said yesterday that recovery efforts will continue despite challenges posed by the vessel being in deep waters, adding that there have been offers of assistance from “partners abroad.” Officials have yet to determine the cause of sinking.
In addition, Indonesian Military Chief Hadi Tjahjanto, said that he’s proposing a posthumous promotion for all crew members of KRI Nanggala-402 to Jokowi.
