S'PORE AND INDONESIAN NAVIES IN SOCIO-CIVIC PROGRAMME

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) joined the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) to conduct a socio-civic programme that provided social assistance, primary health and dental care to residents in Ambon, Indonesia, from 26 Jul to 3 Aug.

Codenamed Surya Bhaskara Jaya (SBJ), the programme saw an RSN surgical team treat patients on shore as well as on board the RSN's Landing Ship Tank RSS Endeavour. The recently completed SBJ saw the RSN attending to more than 2,000 patients, with the surgical team performing over 100 surgeries.

One of the many villagers who benefited from this programme was Mr Karni, from Waehoang Village in Ambon. Unable to see for the last four years due to cataract, he successfully underwent surgery for both eyes and is now able to return to his work as a fishmonger. Said an appreciative Mr Karni: "I am very happy and I want to thank the Singapore doctors for giving me back my eyesight."

Besides distributing essential food items such as rice, sugar, salt and cooking oil, as well as educational materials to the residents, the RSN personnel worked together with the TNI-AL to carry out repair and restoration works in four villages.

For Captain (CPT) Winnie Tan, a Naval Junior Officer Course trainee, seeing the smiles of the patients after their treatment was the most rewarding part of her experience in SBJ. "I'm grateful for the chance to help others and effect a change in their health care and standard of living," she added.

The RSN's participation in SBJ since 1997 underscores the excellent defence ties between the RSN and the TNI-AL. Both navies share a long history of close and mutually-beneficial cooperation and interact regularly through exercises and professional exchanges.