Indonesia’s maritime diplomacy has delivered a tangible humanitarian contribution to the Pacific, with the Indonesian Navy’s hospital ship KRI dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 (WSH-991) providing medical services to 1,213 patients in Papua New Guinea (PNG) during a two-day humanitarian operation in Port Moresby on October 26 and 27, 2026.
The medical mission, which included 15 surgical procedures and consultations across multiple specialist services, marked one of the most significant humanitarian activities of the Indonesian Navy’s 2026 Port Visit mission. It also represented the final major humanitarian engagement of a maritime diplomacy mission spanning four Pacific countries: Vanuatu, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and PNG.
Operating under the Joint Integrated Port Visit Task Force 2026, the Indonesian naval vessel demonstrated how a modern hospital ship can serve a purpose beyond conventional maritime operations. Its presence offered direct medical assistance to communities in a neighbouring Pacific country while creating opportunities for institutional cooperation, public diplomacy and stronger people-to-people relations.
The mission is particularly relevant to Indonesia’s broader engagement with the Pacific. As a country with an extensive maritime territory and longstanding geographical and historical connections to the region, Indonesia views cooperation with Pacific island nations as an important component of its regional diplomacy.
The activities in PNG provided a practical illustration of that commitment. Rather than relying exclusively on diplomatic statements and formal meetings, Indonesia brought medical facilities, healthcare professionals and humanitarian assistance directly to people who needed them.
A Hospital Ship Bringing Healthcare Closer to Pacific Communities
Two days of medical services in Port Moresby
The humanitarian activities began following the arrival of KRI WSH-991 at Port Moresby on October 25, 2026. The vessel was welcomed by senior PNG government and military representatives, Indonesian diplomatic officials and members of the local community.
Among those attending the reception were Pascoe Kase, Secretary of the National Department of Health of PNG; Brigadier General Opa Lari, Deputy Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF); and Okto Dorinus Manik, Indonesia’s Ambassador to PNG and the Solomon Islands.
The reception reflected the importance both countries attached to the visit. The presence of senior officials from the PNG health and defence sectors also provided an opportunity to strengthen institutional communication and explore the potential for closer cooperation.
During the arrival ceremony, Indonesia handed over humanitarian assistance in the form of X-ray equipment, symbolising the practical dimension of the mission beyond the medical consultations delivered aboard the vessel.
Officials were subsequently invited to tour the ship’s medical facilities during an open-ship programme. The visit allowed local representatives to observe the hospital ship’s capabilities, including its medical infrastructure and supporting diagnostic equipment.
The medical operation officially commenced on Monday, October 26, when the Indonesian medical team began treating residents aboard WSH-991.
On the first day, the team provided healthcare services to 405 patients. Medical personnel worked across several clinical services, responding to the needs of local residents who came aboard the vessel seeking consultations and treatment.
The operation continued on Tuesday, October 27, with an even larger number of patients. A total of 808 people received medical services on the second day, bringing the two-day figure to 1,213 patients.
The increase in attendance demonstrated the substantial demand for the services provided by the visiting medical team.
Specialist treatment and 15 surgical procedures
The healthcare programme covered a broad range of medical disciplines, including general medicine, dentistry, surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, ophthalmology and obstetrics.
These services were supported by laboratory testing and radiology examinations, allowing medical personnel to conduct more comprehensive assessments of patients’ conditions.
One of the most significant aspects of the operation was the completion of 15 surgical procedures on the second day.
The combination of outpatient consultations, specialist examinations, diagnostic services and surgical treatment demonstrated the capacity of WSH-991 to deliver integrated healthcare support in a maritime setting.
For residents of Port Moresby and surrounding communities, the presence of the Indonesian medical team provided an additional opportunity to access healthcare services through a temporary facility operating directly from a naval vessel.
Although a two-day medical programme cannot replace the need for permanent healthcare infrastructure and sustained medical services, it can provide immediate assistance while creating opportunities for professional exchange and future cooperation.
The operation also demonstrated how naval assets can contribute to humanitarian objectives, particularly in geographically dispersed island regions where maritime transportation plays an important role in connecting communities.
A Four-Country Mission Across the South Pacific
From Vanuatu to PNG
The Port Moresby programme was the final major destination of a broader Indonesian maritime diplomacy mission launched from Jakarta on September 14, 2026.
The mission was led by Colonel Benedictus Hery Murwanto, commander of KRI WSH-991, who also served as commander of the Joint Integrated Port Visit Task Force 2026.
Under the theme Health, Humanity, and Diplomacy, with the spirit of Bridging Nations, Serving Humanity, the deployment was designed to strengthen Indonesia’s relationships with Pacific nations through healthcare assistance, social programmes, cultural engagement and defence cooperation.
The first international destination was Vanuatu, where the ship arrived at Port Vila on October 2 after a ten-day voyage.
During its stay, the Indonesian delegation conducted diplomatic engagements, including a courtesy call involving Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat and other senior officials. The programme also included medical assistance, social activities and interaction with local communities.
The vessel subsequently departed for Fiji on October 6 and arrived at Walu Bay Wharf in Suva on October 9.
The Fiji visit continued the mission’s emphasis on humanitarian cooperation and maritime diplomacy. Indonesian diplomatic representatives, Fiji Navy personnel and members of the local community welcomed the vessel. The ship’s medical facilities were also introduced to local representatives as part of efforts to demonstrate Indonesia’s capacity to support humanitarian activities.
Following Fiji, the mission proceeded to the Solomon Islands, where the Indonesian task force conducted medical and social activities alongside diplomatic engagements.
One notable achievement in the Solomon Islands was the provision of medical services to 650 patients. The task force also distributed assistance and participated in the renovation of public facilities in cooperation with local residents.
The Indonesian delegation further conducted official visits and a diplomatic reception aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
After completing its activities in the Solomon Islands, the task force departed from Honiara to Port Moresby, PNG on October 22.
PNG as the final destination
The arrival in Port Moresby on October 25 marked the fourth and final country in the mission’s international itinerary.
The reception by the government of PNG and defence representatives reflected the importance of maintaining close relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The humanitarian programme, particularly the provision of medical services to 1,213 patients, became a defining achievement of this final stage.
On October 29, KRI WSH-991 departed Port Moresby for Indonesia, officially concluding its programme of maritime diplomacy and humanitarian engagement across the four Pacific countries.
The departure ceremony was attended by Ambassador Okto Dorinus Manik, Indonesian defence representatives, military officials and members of the local community.
The warm atmosphere surrounding the vessel’s departure reflected the relationships developed during its stay and the importance of continuing cooperation beyond the port visit itself.
Maritime Diplomacy as an Instrument of Indonesian Foreign Policy
Beyond conventional naval engagement
The deployment of KRI WSH-991 illustrates Indonesia’s use of maritime diplomacy as an instrument of international engagement.
Traditionally, naval diplomacy has involved port visits, military exchanges, joint exercises and official meetings between defence institutions. However, the 2026 mission demonstrated how these activities can be complemented by humanitarian programmes that provide direct benefits to civilian populations.
By bringing healthcare professionals and medical equipment to neighbouring countries, Indonesia expanded the role of its naval presence beyond conventional defence engagement.
The mission also provided an opportunity to demonstrate the Indonesian Navy’s operational readiness, logistical capabilities and ability to support humanitarian activities across considerable maritime distances.
This approach is particularly relevant in the Pacific, where island geography creates distinct challenges for transportation, public services and access to healthcare.
The involvement of different institutions and professional groups also reflected the mission’s integrated character. Its objectives extended beyond military cooperation to encompass social, educational, cultural and humanitarian engagement.
Strengthening Indonesia’s Pacific partnerships
Indonesia’s geographical position gives it a natural interest in maintaining constructive relationships with Pacific countries. PNG, which shares a land border with Indonesia on the island of Papua, occupies a particularly important place in this regional relationship.
Cooperation between Jakarta and Port Moresby extends across diplomatic, economic, security and social sectors. Maritime engagement and humanitarian assistance provide additional opportunities to strengthen these connections.
The Port Visit 2026 programme also demonstrated how practical cooperation can complement formal diplomatic relations.
A medical consultation, the provision of diagnostic equipment or an opportunity for local officials to observe a hospital ship may appear modest compared with major bilateral agreements. Still, these kinds of activities can lead to real chances for communication, understanding, and working together professionally.
For Indonesia, these initiatives also reinforce its position as an active regional partner that is prepared to contribute practical resources to shared humanitarian objectives.
Building Trust Through Humanitarian Cooperation
Statements from Indonesian officials
Indonesia’s Defence Minister and Chief of Naval Staff have consistently emphasised the importance of combining military professionalism with humanitarian engagement in international missions.
At the departure ceremony in Jakarta on September 14, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago described the deployment as an opportunity to demonstrate Indonesia’s commitment to the Pacific through cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
He explained that KRI WSH-991 was not being deployed simply to demonstrate military strength but to build trust, strengthen friendship and provide tangible benefits to communities in the countries visited.
The Indonesian Navy’s Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali, also directed naval personnel to continue strengthening maritime diplomacy, improving relations with friendly countries and prioritising professionalism and humanitarian concern during overseas assignments.
These priorities were reflected in the activities conducted throughout the four-country mission.
Indonesia’s Ambassador to PNG and the Solomon Islands, Okto Dorinus Manik, also welcomed the arrival of KRI WSH-991 in Port Moresby.
Speaking to Metro TV on October 27, he expressed gratitude that the vessel had arrived safely and described its presence as an important demonstration of the strength of Indonesia’s diplomatic engagement with PNG.
He also highlighted the longstanding historical and family connections between communities on both sides of the border.
According to Okto, the relationship between Indonesia and PNG is not simply that of neighbouring states but also reflects longstanding social and familial ties, particularly among communities living in border areas.
He further noted that PNG officials’ enthusiasm during their visit aboard the vessel demonstrated the close relationship between the two countries.
His remarks underscored the importance of combining government-to-government relations with people-to-people engagement.
Implications for Papua and the Wider Indo-Pacific
The successful completion of Port Visit 2026 carries significance beyond the immediate humanitarian achievements in the four countries.
For Papua, Indonesia’s engagement with neighbouring Pacific states provides an important platform for regional cooperation, particularly in areas such as public health, maritime connectivity, education, culture and economic development.
The shared island geography of Indonesia’s Papua region and PNG creates opportunities for practical collaboration. Communities on both sides of the international border have longstanding social connections, while governments have common interests in maintaining stability, improving public services and supporting sustainable economic development.
Humanitarian diplomacy can contribute to these objectives by creating channels of cooperation that are not limited to security or political discussions.
The mission also illustrates how Indonesia can utilise its maritime capabilities to strengthen regional relationships while supporting broader Indo-Pacific stability.
However, the long-term value of such initiatives will depend on continuity. Medical assistance delivered during a port visit should ideally be complemented by professional exchanges, institutional partnerships and follow-up cooperation between healthcare authorities.
Likewise, the provision of medical equipment will be most effective when accompanied by appropriate training, maintenance and arrangements for its continued use.
These considerations offer opportunities for Indonesia and its Pacific partners to translate successful humanitarian visits into longer-term cooperation.
Conclusion
The completion of KRI dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991’s 2026 Port Visit mission demonstrates how humanitarian assistance can strengthen Indonesia’s maritime diplomacy and contribute to constructive relations across the Pacific.
By serving 1,213 patients in PNG, performing 15 surgical procedures, providing specialist medical services and delivering X-ray equipment, the Indonesian Navy translated its diplomatic commitment into practical assistance for a neighbouring country.
Combined with activities in Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands, the mission demonstrated Indonesia’s willingness to engage with Pacific partners through cooperation, professional exchange and humanitarian service.
More importantly, the experience reinforces the understanding that regional influence is not measured solely through military capabilities or diplomatic declarations. It is also built through trust, consistency and contributions that improve people’s lives.
For Indonesia, maintaining this approach could open further opportunities for cooperation with Pacific nations, particularly in healthcare, maritime security, education and community development.
As KRI WSH-991 returns from its four-country mission, the relationships established during the voyage offer a foundation for continued engagement. The challenge ahead is to transform the goodwill generated by the visit into sustained programmes that benefit both Indonesia and its Pacific partners.
Ultimately, the mission sends a clear message: Indonesia’s presence in the Pacific is not only about maritime diplomacy but also about building friendship, sharing expertise and serving humanity.
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