Indonesian Navy’s Hospital Ship KRI Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Begins Pacific Goodwill Mission in Solomon Islands

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The Indonesian naval hospital ship, KRI Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo (WSH)-991, arrived in the Solomon Islands on Friday, marking the start of a goodwill tour across the South Pacific. This mission, part of the Indonesian Navy’s 2024 Pacific port visit initiative, aims to foster diplomatic ties and offer humanitarian aid to communities in the region.

The visit was highlighted by medical assistance and health services provided on board for the Solomon Islands community. Commander of the Pacific port visit task force, Navy Colonel (P) Arif Prasetyo Irbianto, expressed hopes for the mission’s success in fostering stronger ties between Indonesia and the Solomon Islands. The ship, which traveled 1,909 miles from Sorong, Southwest Papua, offers a Type C hospital on board and serves as a platform for various community engagement activities.

At the Honiara Pier, Navy Colonel (P) Edi Herdiana welcomed local residents and Indonesian citizens in the Solomon Islands to tour the vessel’s medical facilities. The mission also includes a cultural exchange, with Indonesian Navy personnel and students from Papua visiting the Vilu Military World War II museum.

The goodwill mission is set to continue with stops in Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea, where KRI WSH-991 will provide free health services, renovate places of worship, and distribute medical aid packages. Cultural receptions on the ship’s deck will showcase traditional Indonesian dances and cuisine, further enriching the diplomatic engagement in the Pacific.