After traveling for seven days from Sorong, the Warship of the Republic of Indonesia (KRI) dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 (KRI WSH-991) of the 2024 Port Visit Task Force (Satgas) to the South Pacific Region Countries for the first time carved the history of docking at Honiara Port, Solomon Islands, Friday (25/10/2024).
The arrival of the 2024 Port Visit Task Force was welcomed by Athan Indonesia for Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands Colonel Inf Piter Dwi Ardianto with As Athan Major Mar Risa Bhekti Kumbara, Mrs. Rani and Mr. Agus as Chairman of SIIFA (Solomon Island Indonesia Friendship Association) and also as Consul (honorary consulate) of the Republic of Indonesia in Solomon along with staff and representatives from the Indonesian Embassy in Port Moresby, and local port authorities.
On this occasion, the Commander of KRI WSH-991 Marine Colonel (P) Edi Herdiana, S.T., M.Tr.Opsla. invited guests to go up to KRI and carry out a facility tour to see firsthand the facilities at KRI.
Athan PNG and Solomon Islands welcomed and continued with an introduction and explained the situation in Solomon Islands. “We are very proud because throughout its history it is the first time that the Indonesian Navy through elements of the KRI Koarmada III is docked in South Pacific countries, especially in the Solomon Islands,” he said.
He further explained, later while in the Solomon Islands, the Task Force Personnel can take advantage of the time to visit historical places such as the Vilu Military Museum which is a museum of World War 2 (two) which is one of the largest historical places in the South Pacific.
Meanwhile, Dansatgas Port Visit 2024 Marine Colonel (P) Arif Prasetyo explained that the arrival of the 2024 Port Visit Task Force is an extraordinary thing and this is the first time Indonesia has carried out humanitarian programs in South Pacific countries through the Ministry of Defense and the Indonesian Navy as the implementer with the aim of bringing humanitarian missions including the handover of medicines, general medicine, Blood Donation on KRI, and Open Ship.
“We hope that this activity can run well and smoothly, because we as the first mission hopefully can provide a good picture so that this program runs sustainably which can have a positive impact on both countries,” said Dansatgas.
On a separate occasion, the Chief of Naval Staff (Kasal) Admiral TNI Dr. Muhamamad Ali conveyed to the Jalasena soldiers who are carrying out the mission of diplomacy goodwill to always give their best in every task entrusted to them, to be able to establish good cooperative relations with friendly countries, and also to introduce the State of Indonesia to the countries of the South Pacific Region.