KRI Matjan Tutul
KRI Matjan Tutul was one of eight torpedo boats operated by the Indonesian Navy, that were built in West Germany in the 1960s. The vessel played an important role during the Battle of Arafura Sea, one of several battles during Operation Trikora.
Design
Matjan Tutul was part of the second batch of Jaguar-class fast attack craft ordered by Indonesia from West Germany in late 1950s, which has steel hull instead of the wooden hull on the first batch. Matjan Tutul was manned by 39 crew members, including 4 officers, 2 cooks, 17 engine room personnel, and 18 sailors.Matjan Tutul measured in length with a beam of with a displacement of and a sleek design, Matjan Tutul embodied both power and agility. Despite its simple appearance, the ship proved formidable and swift. It was powered by four Mercedes-Benz MB51B diesel engines producing. True to its designation as a fast attack craft, it could reach speeds, propelled by four -diameter propellers, enabling the ship to sail at a maximum speed of.
Weaponry
Matjan Tutul was equipped with various weaponry including two Bofors guns mounted on both the bow and stern, and was supposed to be equipped with four torpedo tubes, with two mounted on each side of the vessel. However, due to the restrictions imposed on West Germany as part of their agreement with the Allies, they were prohibited from producing torpedoes.The Indonesian government then planned to acquire the MK 3 torpedoes from the United Kingdom. However, due to the United Kingdom's alliance with the Netherlands, which was opposed to Indonesia's independence, they refused to sell the torpedoes to Indonesia. As a result, Indonesia then ordered torpedoes from the Soviet Union. However, when Operation Trikora was declared, the weaponry had not yet arrived in Indonesia. Despite this, the Jaguar-class torpedo boats, including Matjan Tutul, were still prepared and deployed for infiltration missions.