Skip to main content

Monumen Kapal Selam (Submarine Monument)

Monumen Kapal Selam (Submarine Monument)


**Location:** 

Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia


**History and Background:**

Monumen Kapal Selam, often referred to as "Monkasel," is a unique maritime monument located in the heart of Surabaya, East Java. The monument is actually a real submarine, the KRI Pasopati (410), which is a Whiskey-class submarine built in Vladivostok, Russia, in 1952. The Indonesian Navy acquired it in 1962, and it served actively until it was decommissioned in 1989.


**Transformation into a Monument:**

After its decommissioning, the submarine was converted into a museum to commemorate the Indonesian Navy's maritime history and to educate the public about the life and duties of submariners. The KRI Pasopati was carefully disassembled, transported, and reassembled at its current location along the Kalimas River in Surabaya. The monument was officially opened to the public on June 27, 1998.


**Exhibits and Features:**

1. **The Submarine Itself:** Visitors can explore the interior of the submarine, which has been preserved to reflect its operational condition. This includes the control room, torpedo room, crew quarters, and engine room. Information panels and exhibits explain the various parts of the submarine and their functions.

2. **Historical Displays:** The museum features displays and exhibits about the history of the Indonesian Navy, the role of submarines in naval warfare, and the specific history of the KRI Pasopati. Photographs, documents, and artifacts from the submarine's operational period provide insights into the life of the crew and their missions.


3. **Audiovisual Presentations:** The monument also includes a small theater where visitors can watch films and documentaries about submarines, naval battles, and the history of the Indonesian Navy. These presentations help to contextualize the exhibits and provide a deeper understanding of maritime warfare.

4. **Interactive Elements:** Some sections of the museum offer interactive displays, such as periscopes and navigation tools, allowing visitors to experience some of the challenges faced by submariners.


**Cultural and Educational Impact:**

Monumen Kapal Selam serves as an important educational resource, providing insights into naval technology and the strategic importance of submarines. It also honors the service and sacrifices of Indonesian submariners, promoting a sense of national pride and maritime heritage.


**Tourism and Accessibility:**

The monument is a popular tourist attraction in Surabaya, drawing both local and international visitors. It is conveniently located near other landmarks and attractions in the city, making it an easy addition to any sightseeing itinerary. The museum is designed to be accessible to visitors of all ages, with informative guides and clear signage in both Indonesian and English.

In summary, Monumen Kapal Selam is a fascinating and educational attraction that offers a unique glimpse into Indonesia's naval history. It stands as a tribute to the country's maritime prowess and serves as an engaging museum for those interested in naval technology and history.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Largest Islands in Indonesia: From Largest to Smallest

Indonesia, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, is the world's largest island country, consisting of more than 17,000 islands. These islands vary greatly in size, from massive landmasses like Sumatra and Borneo to tiny islets scattered across the oceans. Here's a detailed look at the largest islands in Indonesia, ranked from the largest to the smallest. 1. New Guinea (Papua) Area : Approximately 785,753 square kilometers (Indonesian portion: 421,981 square kilometers) Description : New Guinea, known as Papua in Indonesia, is the second-largest island in the world after Greenland. It is shared between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The Indonesian part comprises the provinces of Papua, West Papua, South Papua, Central Papua, and Highland Papua. The island is famous for its diverse cultures and rich biodiversity, with dense rainforests, rugged mountain ranges, and a significant number of endemic species. 2. Borneo (Kalimantan) Area : Approximately 748,168 square kilometers (Indonesi...

Batik

Batik (Javanese-Indonesian-Malay pronunciation: ['ba.te'], but often, in English, is [bætik] or [ba'ti'k]) is an Indonesian word and refers to a generic wax-resist dyeing technique used on textile. The word originates from Javanese word "amba", meaning ”to write” and the Javanese word for dot or point, "titik." It is known to be more than a millennium old, probably in ancient Egypt or Sumeria. There are evidences that cloth decorated through some form of resist technique was in use in the early centuries AD. It is found in several countries later in West Africa such as Nigeria, Cameroon and Mali, or in Asia, such as India, Sri Lanka, Iran, and Thailand, and Malaysia, but the most popular are in Indonesia. The art of Batik reach its highest achievement in technique, intricate design, and refined aesthetic in Java, Indonesia. The island of Java itself is famous and well known for its exquisite batik for centuries, particularly in places suc...

Indonesia, The World's Largest Archipelago

Indonesia Flag Indonesia , the world's largest archipelago, boasts of having one of the best biodiversity levels. It ranks second next to Brazil. This means that there is an intense mixture of floral and fauna, usually bearing Australasian and Asian ancestry. The country is used to be connected to the mainland of Asia. There are a lot of islands that comprise the country, and majority of them are filled with sun-kissed beaches, beautiful and majestic coral reefs, and plenty of different species of fish and other marine creatures. That's why besides immersing yourself into the history and culture of its people, sailing in Indonesia is a popular activity that you can look forward to.