[caption id="attachment_54159" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Wikipedia"][/caption] Indonesia is a large archipelagic country with once one of the most powerful navy in Asia. This pride of the glorious past can be seen in Surabaya, the city of Indonesain navy. Right on the bank of Kali Mas, there is a large submarine emerging among building. It is the Submarine Monument, locally called Monumen Kapal Selam. Situated precisely on Jalan Pemuda 39 Surabaya at the central part of configuration of important buildings, one will easily locate this monument. The governor residence of East Java, Garden Palace Hotel, Gubeng trainstation, Surabaya Plaza, and World Trade Center are among well know buildings around it. Opened in July 1998, This monument is an expression of national pride. The monument was KRI Pasopati, the republic's combat submarine that contributed to the success of 28 military operation around sixties. This submarine was made by the Russian in 1952 and given flank number 410. To move this 1.050 tons submarine from PT. PAL location in Tanjung Perak harbor to the present location, the ship has to be divided into 16 pieces. The ship is 76,6 m in length and 6,3 m in width with 7 well-maintained chambers. [caption id="attachment_54160" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Foto - Kompasimages"][/caption] Accompanied by the guide, some of whom are retired crews of the ship, you will be able to take a tour to the interior of the ship. The voice of your guide echoing in the chambers when describing stories about his heroic experience will take you deep down in the darkness of the sea where steady tempo of sonar voice and the smell of person next to you are your only entertainment. The most intersting part of the ship is the command room, which equipped with a set of periscope. Though blurred by age and rust, visitors can see to all direction. Buildings surrounding the monument compound and Kalimas river are quite a view from the periscope's finder glass. There are seven main chambers in the ship, each is connected by round shaped doors. Apart from command room, officially called Space PIT, there are Bow Torpedo room and Aft Torpedo room, Officers Lounge and NCO's Lounge, engine room, and control room. After exploring the interior of the sub, tou can visit the Videorama to grasp more understanding on its history. It plays a 20 minutes documentary movie. With very cheap admission ticket, Submarine Monument will surely add up to your national pride as well as knowledge and memorable pictures.
