MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN PADANG

Some 500 seamen from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) recently completed the 57th Surya Bhaskara Jaya (SBJ) from 2 to 29 Aug.

SBJ is a series of socio-civic activities carried out regularly by the TNI-AL throughout the Indonesian archipelago. Since it was first invited to join this humanitarian assistance programme in 1997, the RSN has been taking part in SBJ regularly.

Medical teams from the RSN and TNI-AL provided primary health and dental care for the residents of Padang. Surgical operations were carried out on board the Landing Ship Tank RSS Persistence and the TNI-AL's hospital ship, KRI Dr Soeharso.

Officers and specialists also distributed sembako (packages of nine essential food items, including rice, oil and milk powder), educational materials and sports equipment to the residents.

Their other community work in Padang included repair works at a community hall, volleyball and badminton court.

Incidentally, 46 midshipmen, who were sailing on the RSS Persistence as part of their Midshipmen Sea Training Deployment, are among the RSN personnel involved in SBJ.

The RSN's participation in the SBJ reflects its excellent ties with the TNI-AL. Both navies conduct regular interactions, and the close cooperation between them have helped to foster professional respect and mutual understanding among their personnel.