By MONIKA SINGH
THE historic visit by the Indonesia’s navy hospital ship to Suva recently is a latest sign of stronger and growing relationship between Indonesia, Fiji and the Pacific, says Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji Dupito Simamora.
In his welcome address to guests on board the ship, Mr Simamora said that besides security, there are opportunities for greater cooperation in areas such as health, humanitarian, and disaster relief operations.
The vessel KRI Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991, arrived in Suva last week as part of the Indonesian Navy’s 2024 Port Visit Task Force, a goodwill mission spanning four Pacific nations.
Chief guest, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, in his welcoming address, shared his thoughts on Indonesia–Fiji ties, and expressed his wish to see the continued strong relationship between the two countries.
In expressing his support for closer cooperation, Mr Tikoduadua highlighted the importance of partnerships that promoted regional security, resilience, and development, while also emphasising cultural and linguistic ties and noting that early Fijians may have originated from the Indonesian archipelago.
According to Mr Simamora the ship’s visit comes in the wake of the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto on 20 October, 2024, an event attended by leaders from neighboring Pacific countries in a show of regional solidarity.
“President Prabowo himself ordered this mission to the Pacific,” Mr Simamora said.
The Task Force was in Honiara, in the Solomon Islands last week and after its stop in Suva, the ship continued its journey to Port Vila, Vanuatu before making a final call in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Mr Simamora said for the 2024 Port Visit Task Force team, Suva was the second out of four stops in this goodwill and humanitarian mission to the Blue Pacific.
The ship will then return to the Third Indonesian Navy Fleet Headquarters in Sorong, in the province of Southwest Papua.
Mr Simamora said they also handed over medical equipment and medicines to Fijian representatives, including Republic of the Fiji Navy Commander Commodore Humphrey Tawake and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As both countries honor five decades of diplomatic ties, Mr Simamora highlighted that the visit of vessel served as a testament to Indonesia’s ongoing dedication to forging deeper connections with its Pacific neighbors, grounded in shared values and aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous future.
“The presence of friends from the Pacific on board of this ship, it is a right moment to lay down the foundation for a stronger friendship, and redouble our efforts in working together for a prosperous and peaceful future.”
He said the goodwill mission extended beyond Fiji, reflecting Indonesia’s aim to strengthen partnerships across the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), which included the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea.
During the vessel’s stay, the KRI Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 hosted several key activities, which included Open Ship Event on November 2-3, the public was welcomed aboard to explore the ship’s facilities and learn about the Indonesian Navy’s capabilities and commitment to peace and resilience.
A press statement issued by the Indonesian Embassy in Fiji said the completion of KRI Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991’s visit symbolized Indonesia’s dedication to sustaining lasting partnerships and promoting peace, resilience, and cultural unity in the Pacific region.
The event also brought together Fijian government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the Indonesian community in Fiji, and representatives from the Fiji Indonesia Friendship Association (FIFA).
