Indonesian warship completes humanitarian mission in Pacific countries

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian warship, KRI dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991, has successfully carried out humanitarian mission in South Pacific countries, including the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea.

The warship, which is part of the 2024 Pacific Port Visit Task Force, completed its mission in 48 days of sailing since October 9, 2024.

KRI dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 was returned to its headquarters in Sorong, Southwest Papua, on Monday (Nov 25), according to Head of the Information Service of the Indonesian Navy's III Fleet Command Lieutenant Colonel (S) Ajik Sismianto.

The arrival of the 2024 Pacific Port Visit Task Force, which sailed along KRI dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, was welcomed by Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy's III Fleet Command First Admiral TNI Singgih Sugiarto and Head of the Southwest Papua Transportation Agency Victor F. Salosa at the Indonesian Navy Main Base XIV Sorong Pier.

"Thank you to all soldiers of the 2024 Pacific Port Visit Task Force who have shown extraordinary dedication, discipline, and fighting spirit,” First Admiral Sugiarto stated while reading a speech of the Indonesian Navy's III Fleet Commander Rear Admiral TNI Hersan during the welcoming ceremony.

According to Rear Admiral Hersan, the goodwill and humanitarian mission to the four Pacific countries aimed to support Indonesia’s foreign policy and was part of the efforts to protect national interests abroad.

"This activity is also expected to support confidence-building measures with countries in the South Pacific and emphasize Indonesia's presence in the South Pacific region," he noted.

In the four South Pacific countries, the Pacific Port Visit Task Force conducted various activities, including providing free health check-up and medical treatment services on board and handing over medical aid packages from the Indonesian government to the governments of each respective country.

Such momentum was also utilized to introduce the Indonesian-made hospital support ship KRI dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991, hold a reception on board and meet with Indonesian partners in each destination country.

“While carrying out their duties, the Pacific Port Visit Task Force has provided professional medical services—and they have worked wholeheartedly. They have become the spearhead of Indonesia's humanitarian diplomacy abroad," he remarked.

During a humanitarian mission to four countries in the South Pacific, the Indonesian warship transported all 177 task force personnel, comprising 141 ship crew as well as 36 task force staff, including the diving team, security forces, general practitioners and specialist doctors, students from Papua, and information officers.