KRI Nanggala-shaped panjut as show of solidarity, sympathy

A spokesman for the group, Azizul Hafiz Mohd Nordin, 34, said that the submarine-shaped panjut, measuring almost eight metres long and three metres high, was designed as a tribute to the 53 Nanggala 402 crew members who perished in the incident, and as a show of solidarity to the people of Indonesia.

He said that the inspiration to build the panjut was drawn from the incident, which had a profound emotional impact on people in many countries, including Malaysia, who also participated in the search and rescue mission.

“In the early stages, my five friends and I wanted to make a standard ship-shaped panjut, then someone suggested that we model it after the KRI Nanggala 402 submarine as a sign of sympathy with the incident.

“Once we agreed (on it), we looked for suitable materials and then completed the panjut within four days. More than 120 oil lamps have been used and now we are in the final phase to complete the entire shape of the submarine,” he said when met today.

Azizul Hafiz said that the structure of the submarine was made of iron and bamboo, as well as other recycled materials such as aluminium beverage cans which were turned into lamp wick before being inserted into holes drilled in the bamboo.

Azizul Hafiz said that the last time that the panjut festival was held in the area was in 2017, and Kampung Bukit Merah came in third place with its entry designed in the shape of a village house.

The KRI Nanggala 402 submarine-shaped panjut is part of preparation of the Kampung Bukit Merah community to participate in the Ramadan Panjut Festival, organised by Bagan Serai UMNO Division.

Other unique panjuts being installed at the compound of the Bukit Merah CTC community centre are ones modelled after a village house, an arch and an electric train services (ETS) coach.