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Personnel from the Pacific port visit task force raise the flags of Indonesia and the Solomon Islands as the KRI Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 docks in the Solomon Islands on Friday (October 25, 2024). (ANTARA/HO-TNI AL Fleet III Command Information Service)

VOI News, Jakarta: Indonesian naval warship KRI Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo (WSH)-991, a part of the 2024 Pacific port visit task force, arrived in the Solomon Islands on Friday.

The ship is on a goodwill mission in the Solomon Islands, the first stop in its South Pacific tour.

As quoted by Antara News Agency (25/10) Head of the information service of the Indonesian Navy's Fleet Command III, Lieutenant Colonel (S) Ajik Sismianto, informed that the mission will involve delivering medical aid packages, providing free health services, conducting blood donation drives on board the ship, and hosting an open house for the Solomon Islands community.

"We hope this activity runs smoothly and successfully, setting a positive precedent for future missions and fostering strong relations between our two countries," Navy Colonel (P) Arif Prasetyo Irbianto, commander of the Pacific port visit task force, conveyed in a statement.

KRI WSH-991, a hospital ship from Fleet Command III (Koarmada III), traveled 1,909 miles from Sorong, Southwest Papua, to reach Solomon. The journey took eight days.

At Honiara Pier, Navy Colonel (P) Edi Herdiana, the commander of KRI Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991, invited Indonesian citizens in the Solomon Islands and local residents on board.

Colonel Herdiana led a tour of the ship's facilities, which include a Type C hospital.

Indonesian Navy personnel and students from Papua, who are participating in the goodwill mission, are scheduled to visit historical sites in Solomon, such as the Vilu Military World War II museum, during their stay.

During the voyage from Sorong to Solomon, Indonesian Navy personnel received training in various areas, including basic first aid, surface danger combat roles, unit development competitions, operational law, and rules of engagement for overseas missions.

In addition to Solomon, KRI WSH-991's mission includes visits to Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea.

The ship will provide social services, renovate places of worship, offer free health services, and distribute medical aid packages in each country it visits.

KRI WSH-991 will also host receptions on the ship's deck, featuring traditional Indonesian dances and cuisine. (Antara)