Indonesian Parliament Approves Sale of Warship KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara

Indonesia's parliament has given the green light for the sale of the decommissioned warship KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara. Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) approved the government's proposal to sell the vessel through an auction, marking a new chapter for the ship that has served the Indonesian Navy.

According to Deputy Defense Minister Donny Eramawan, the KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara is no longer fit for service. The ship has surpassed its operational lifespan and underwent weapons dismantling in 2018. Consequently, it can no longer function as a warship and is incapable of independent movement, making its sale the most appropriate and responsible course of action.

The KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara has a history dating back to its construction in Yugoslavia in 1978 at the Uljanik Shipyard in Split, now part of Croatia. While there was a prior plan to scuttle the vessel, the decision has shifted towards selling it through a government auction.

This decision, formalized through Presidential Decree No. R-33/Presiden/07/2026 dated July 14, 2026, reflects a pragmatic approach to managing aging military assets. The sale aims to recoup some value from the vessel while freeing up resources and space previously occupied by the inactive warship.