The Indonesian Navy Hospital Ship, KRI dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo (WSH-991), has successfully completed its Port Visit program to Port Vila, Vanuatu, delivering free medical services and engaging with the local community. The medical services, conducted on Sunday (10/11) and Monday (11/11), provided essential healthcare support to more than 350 local residents in Port Vila. KRI WSH-991 also had the honour of being visited by the Honourable Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, along with several cabinet ministers, who came to witness the healthcare facilities on board.
Beyond healthcare services, the visit also featured meaningful community engagement activities. The crew participated in cleaning and repainting the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, organized a friendly football match with the Ministry of Health’s football team, captained by the Honorable Minister John Still Tariqetu himself, at Independence Park, and hosted an open-ship tour that welcomed children and students aboard the vessel.
Indonesian Ambassador to Australia Siswo Pramono expressed his gratitude for the warm reception from the Ni-Vanuatu. “We are humbled and excited by the enthusiasm shown by the Ni-Vanuatu throughout the visit. I will recommend to my government that we continue the program in the future, with better and longer durations of services to meet Ni-Vanuatu needs.”
Health cooperation was highlighted as one of the top priorities for Indonesia and Vanuatu, as addressed in the bilateral meeting between President Prabowo and Prime Minister Salwai in Jakarta last month. Earlier this month, Indonesia initiated its first batch of nurse training programs at Vanuatu Nursing College. The visit of the Navy Hospital Ship marks another significant milestone in the growing partnership between Vanuatu and Indonesia.
KRI WSH-991 arrived at Port Vila Main Wharf for its mission on 9 November 2024, kicking it off with a diplomatic reception onboard which was attended by more than 70 distinguished guests, including the Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu as the Guest of Honor, Health Minister, Land Resources Minister, as well as ambassadors and foreign dignitaries in Port Vila.
The Deputy Prime Minister took the opportunity to tour the facilities onboard before the event, where he expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s contributions to healthcare cooperation and emphasized the importance of extending such initiatives to other islands in Vanuatu. The Health Minister and Indonesian Ambassador held a signing of the medical supply assistance, underscoring Indonesia’s commitment to supporting healthcare development in Vanuatu and fostering closer cooperation in the future.
Completing its mission, the ship will now head to Port Moresby to conclude its South Pacific tour before returning to its home station in Sorong, Papua. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities. Fully designed and constructed by Indonesian shipyards, KRI WSH-991 stands as a testament to Indonesia’s advanced shipbuilding capabilities. Reflecting its home base station in Papua, approximately one-sixth of the ship’s crew members are native Papuans, showcasing inclusivity in its operations.
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