Diplomatic synergy between Indonesia and Australia continues to be strengthened, this time through tangible collaboration in the field of public health. The Australian Consulate-General in Surabaya is partnering with the Ksatria Airlangga Floating Hospital (RSKKA) to provide basic to specialist medical services for residents living in the remote island regions of East Java.
This cooperation is realized through the Direct Aid Program from the Australian Government. To mark the commencement of this humanitarian mission, representatives from the Australian Consulate-General joined in seeing off the departure of the RSKKA hospital ship from Kalimas Port, Surabaya. The ship sailed with a mission to deliver health counseling, disease prevention, and free medical check-ups directly to the outermost islands.
One of the program's target areas is Raas Island in Sumenep Regency. The representative of the Australian Consulate-General in Surabaya, Glen Askew, personally observed the medical services at the location while opening an educational seminar on reproductive health and the prevention of early marriage for local madrasah students. This education is considered crucial for improving the quality of life for the younger generation on the islands.
This strategic partnership aligns with the long-term program of the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Health Transformation (KITA SEHAT). KITA SEHAT focuses on strengthening the capacity of Indonesia's health system to detect and respond to infectious diseases, as well as building inclusive and equitable primary healthcare services reaching the country's remotest areas.
The Director of RSKKA, dr. Agus Harianto, Sp.B., expressed his appreciation for the support from the Australian side as well as various other partners, including HCML SKK Migas, OneMed, and related health institutions. He hopes this cross-sector collaboration will continue to ensure the equitable right to decent healthcare services for island communities.
