Sorong (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has deployed hospital ship KRI Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo (WSH-991) and frigate KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata (REM-331) on a diplomatic and humanitarian mission to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to strengthen bilateral ties.
Chief of Staff of Fleet Command (Koarmada) III in Southwest Papua, Commodore Anung Sutanto, said the mission reflects TNI AL’s defense diplomacy and aligns with Indonesia’s foreign policy.
“This mission carries messages of friendship, peace, and humanity,” he remarked in Sorong, Southwest Papua, on Tuesday.
The mission’s task force is led by Commander of the Escort Ship Unit of Koarmada III, Colonel Ferry H. Hutagaol, aboard KRI WSH-991. The ship carries 188 personnel, including 25 medical staff and support crew.
“We will carry out this operation for 14 days, from September 9 to 22, 2025. KRI WSH-991 will sail from Sorong to Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, before returning here,” Sutanto explained.
The TNI AL delegation plans to hold a range of diplomatic and social activities in PNG, including sports, cultural exchanges, ship tours, official receptions, renovations of houses of worship, and the provision of free medicines and health services.
Sutanto noted that the navy is partnering with the Indonesian Ministry of Health to provide medical services, underscoring Indonesia’s soft power.
“This mission will also coincide with the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence on September 16,” he added, highlighting the opportunity for Indonesia to strengthen its presence in the South Pacific.
Regarding KRI REM-331, he said the frigate, from Koarmada II in Surabaya, East Java, will reach Port Moresby via Ambon, Maluku, with 140 personnel on a similar diplomatic mission.
