Indonesia Navy floating hospital anchored in Port Moresby    

A new skyline has emerged at the old Port Moresby Wharf, as a floating hospital from the Indonesian Navy anchors in the National Capital District on Sunday.

The hospital ship KRI Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991, a key component of the Indonesian Navy, set sail for the Melanesian countries in the Pacific Region in early October.   

Port Moresby is the final port of call for the gigantic floating hospital of the Indonesian Navy, after providing much-needed medical services to other Melanesian countries of Vanuatu, Fiji, and Solomon Islands, in the last few weeks.

The deployment reinforces Indonesia’s commitment to regional stability and cooperation and highlights its growing naval capabilities and humanitarian outreach.

Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea and the largest city in the Melanesian Spearhead Group is expected to draw thousands, as the demand for specialized medical care is a challenge facing ordinary Papua New Guineans.

The two-day, medical care starts on Monday.

Apart from the medical services, the Indonesian Navy personnel will also be involved in people-to-people interaction from sports to church and school visits.

According to the Indonesia Armed Forces, the nearly 180 crew members include medical professionals, divers, and security teams, as well as students from Indonesia’s Papua Province.

During port visits, medical staff will dispense medication for conditions such as hypertension, skin infections, and asthma. The crew also conducts dental and eye exams, community outreach, and infrastructure improvements.