Indonesia Sends Hospital Ship on Humanitarian Mission to Pacific

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has deployed the KRI dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 on a health, humanitarian, and diplomatic mission to the Pacific and Oceania as part of Port Visit 2026. The mission carries the theme “Health, Humanity, and Diplomacy” under the spirit of “Bridging Nations, Serving Humanity.”

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, General (Ret.) Djamari Chaniago, said the deployment of the Indonesian Navy’s hospital support ship is part of Indonesia’s efforts to build trust and strengthen relations with countries in the Pacific region.

“Indonesia is present in the Pacific not to demonstrate its strength, but to show care, build trust, and deliver tangible benefits to local communities,” Djamari said during the send-off ceremony for the Port Visit 2026 Task Force at Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta, Monday, September 14, 2026.

The Port Visit 2026 Task Force is led by Colonel Benedictus Hery Murwanto and involves 318 personnel from the Indonesian Navy, Army, Air Force, National Police, government ministries and agencies, academics, students, volunteers, and journalists. The participation of various groups is part of Indonesia’s integrated diplomatic efforts in the Pacific.

The KRI dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 will visit Vanuatu, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea. In addition to health and humanitarian activities, the mission aims to strengthen cooperation in maritime affairs, social and cultural sectors, health, the economy, and education.

The voyage will last around 60 days, from September 14 to November 12, 2026, following the route Jakarta-Sorong-Vanuatu-Fiji-Solomon Islands-Papua New Guinea-Wanam-Sorong.

Djamari urged all personnel to uphold Indonesia’s reputation and demonstrate care for communities in the countries they visit. He said the mission also provides an opportunity to strengthen Indonesia’s ties with countries across the South Pacific.

“When you are in the countries you visit, show that you are Indonesian and Indonesian servicemen. Show that we care about them and want to build closer relations with countries in the South Pacific,” he said.