The arrival of the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) hospital ship, KRI dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo 991 (KRI WSH-991), 10-11 November 2024, in Vanuatu has become a crucial moment for local communities. The Vanuatu residents took full advantage of the free healthcare services offered on this Indonesian ship, which docked at Port Vila, Vanuatu, as part of a health diplomacy and peace mission. The free healthcare services provided by the Port Visit 2024 Task Force were met with great enthusiasm from the people of Vanuatu.

State-of-the-Art Medical Facilities on a Warship

In its mission to deliver quality healthcare, KRI WSH-991 is equipped with medical facilities that are not often found in hospitals across the Pacific region. The available healthcare services include general health check-ups, dental treatments, CT scans, and other advanced medical services. The CT scan facilities enable in-depth diagnoses, including for patients showing mild stroke symptoms, a service that might not be available in local healthcare facilities.

The ship not only offers basic medical services but also allows Vanuatu residents access to more complex health check-ups. This is a unique experience for local residents, who can receive internationally standardized healthcare without any fees. Hundreds of Vanuatu citizens queued up to access these healthcare services, underscoring the critical importance of this opportunity.

The Minister of Health of Vanuatu, Hon. John Still Tariqetu, also took part in using these health facilities. He expressed his gratitude to the Indonesian government and the TNI AL for their contributions in providing much-needed healthcare services to the people of Vanuatu. Tariqetu stated, “We are incredibly grateful for the presence of this ship, especially given our limited healthcare facilities here.”

Health Diplomacy in a Peace Mission

The Port Visit 2024 program goes beyond providing healthcare services; it is part of Indonesia’s diplomatic strategy to strengthen ties with neighboring countries, especially in the South Pacific region. Through this initiative, the Indonesian Navy demonstrates that military strength can also serve as a force for peace and well-being. This mission exemplifies Indonesia’s commitment to fostering harmonious cooperation in the Pacific region.

Admiral Yusliandi Ginting, Indonesian Defense Attaché for Canberra, Australia, and Vanuatu, stated that this program aims to strengthen the friendship between Indonesia and Vanuatu. “We are honored by the presence of the Prime Minister of Vanuatu and hope that this program further cements the friendship between our two countries,” said Admiral Yusliandi.

On the second day of the health service activities, Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Charlot Salwai, accompanied by First Lady Marie Justine Salwai, visited KRI WSH-991. During his official visit, he expressed his admiration for the ship’s comprehensive medical facilities. According to him, KRI WSH-991 brings significant benefits to Vanuatu residents, particularly since such advanced healthcare facilities are scarce in his country. Prime Minister Salwai remarked, “This ship has extensive facilities and has provided much-needed healthcare to our residents.”

High Enthusiasm from Vanuatu Residents for Free Healthcare Services

The visit of KRI WSH-991 presented a rare opportunity for the people of Vanuatu to undergo comprehensive and free health check-ups. On the first day of activities, residents took full advantage of the available services with enthusiasm. Before receiving healthcare, they were required to go through a registration process and preliminary screenings, such as blood pressure checks, physical examinations, and diagnosis to identify specific health issues.

Among the most popular services were dental check-ups and plaque removal, addressing a common health issue in the area. Additionally, CT scan services were provided to patients with symptoms requiring further diagnosis. This program not only offered direct health benefits but also educated residents on the importance of regular health check-ups.

The Indonesian hospital ship presented a rare experience for the people of Vanuatu. In addition to enjoying medical services, they had the unique chance to board an Indonesian Navy warship equipped with modern healthcare facilities. This created a warm atmosphere between the local community and the TNI AL personnel, further strengthening the friendship between the two countries.

Diplomatic Cooperation and Social Assistance in Humanitarian Sectors

In addition to providing health services, the Port Visit 2024 Task Force also held a social service event in Vanuatu, which included painting and cleaning a place of worship at the Cathedral Du Sacre-Coeur Church in Vila, Vanuatu. This initiative exemplifies Indonesia’s compassion toward the needs of Vanuatu residents beyond healthcare, while also serving as an effort to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations through humanitarian activities.

This program underscores that diplomacy is not limited to formal meetings, but can also be conducted through concrete actions that benefit the community directly. This social assistance conveys a strong message about Indonesia’s solidarity with Vanuatu, especially in addressing the limitations in facilities and resources across various sectors.

The presence of the Indonesian hospital ship in Vanuatu is hoped to be an inspiring example for other countries in the South Pacific region, promoting inter-country cooperation focused on humanitarian aid and shared welfare. The people of Vanuatu warmly welcomed this program, hoping for similar visits in the future, as the benefits provided were immense for local residents.

Long-Term Impact on Indonesia-Vanuatu Relations

The Port Visit 2024 program is anticipated to not only yield positive effects in the healthcare sector but also to foster long-term impacts in strengthening relations between Indonesia and Vanuatu. This visit by the Indonesian hospital ship exemplifies Indonesia’s commitment to actively supporting the health and welfare of communities in neighboring countries. On the other hand, the enthusiasm of the Vanuatu people highlights their appreciation for the assistance provided, a critical foundation for building even closer ties.

The health diplomacy carried out by the Indonesian Navy through KRI WSH-991 represents a tangible step in presenting Indonesia as a nation that cares about the well-being of its neighboring countries. In this way, Indonesia strengthens its image not just as a nation with military strength, but as one dedicated to global peace and welfare. This program is among the many concrete steps taken by Indonesia to realize harmonious international relations, especially in the Pacific region.

The visit of the hospital ship KRI WSH-991 to Vanuatu has proven to be tremendously impactful for local communities. This healthcare program has allowed Vanuatu residents to access high-quality medical services free of charge. The high enthusiasm shown by residents, alongside support from the local government, illustrates the critical need and appreciation for such a program.

Meanwhile, this initiative also stands as a symbol of Indonesia’s peaceful diplomacy in the South Pacific region, reinforcing ties of friendship between nations and opening doors for future cooperation. The presence of this hospital ship teaches that health diplomacy can be a bridge to strengthen international relations and build global peace.