Like last year event, this year this Java Sea Battle was undertaken on Express Bahari 1C. Bahari express led by Captain Sabarudin sailed to sea location , 06’00’ S.W/ 112’05’ EL, located 60 KM from Bawean Island. Depart at 09.00 AM from Sangkapura Port of Bawean, and arrival at sea location at 10.00 AM.
Unlike last year, this year’s event involved more local people. Local officials from Sangkapura and Tambak district were also attending the commemoration and gave speech. Some students from local primary school, SD Kota Kusuma and SD Sawah Mulia also attend this ceremony.
Mr. Joop Nahuijsen the founder and the initiator of VON gave the opening speech about the history of Java Sea Battle as the background of the commemoration. Afterwards Mr. Abdul Adim and Mr. Gatot Soebroto , respectively Sangkapura and Tambak district head delivered their appreciation that this event revealed the history of Bawean Island and what happened in the past that not many Baweanese knew before and they hoped that this event could benefit Bawean to be known more. The ceremony was hosted by Eko Londo.
The core of the ceremony was casting floral wreath to sea with message “Mariners Never Die, They Only Fade Away.” This year commemoration also gave special honor to some mariners died in the battle initiated by some families who could not participate in this event.
1) Jacob J.Bol ( sergeant of Hr.Ms “Kortenaer”)
2) Cornelis Boers (stoker 1 of Hr. Ms. “De Ruyter.”)
3) Antonie Nahuijsen (telegraphist “De Ruyter”)
In the commemoration, “Ayah” composed by Rinto Harahap as VON Song was played. Ceremony was then closed by moment of silence, playing The Last Post and closing speech by Mr. Joop Nahuijsen.