INDONESIA’S naval hospital ship, KRI dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991, is in Fiji from October 9 to 13 as part of a Pacific goodwill mission to strengthen regional ties and provide medical assistance.

Operating under the theme “Bridging Nations, Serving Humanity”, the Indonesia Port Visit runs from September 14 to November 12, with scheduled country visits to Vanuatu, Fiji from October 9 to 13, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

The mission deploys Indonesian medical specialists in internal medicine, surgery, anaesthesiology and general medicine to provide clinical services and exchange knowledge with local health practitioners.

In Vanuatu, the ship treated 656 patients and performed 14 surgical procedures during two days of medical services on October 3 and 4, according to the Vanuatu Daily Post. The figures highlight the scale of healthcare services delivered during the mission’s Pacific port visits.

Beyond healthcare, the programme includes social assistance, distribution of essential supplies, light rehabilitation of public facilities and environmental projects.

The programme also plans cultural performances, educational outreach, sports activities, and open-ship engagements to strengthen people-to-people connections between Indonesia and Pacific communities.

As a Strategic Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, Indonesia says it remains committed to supporting the Blue Pacific’s vision of a peaceful, secure, resilient and prosperous region.