Singapore and Indonesian navies conduct socio-civic programme in Indonesia

SINGAPORE - The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) joined forces with the Indonesian Navy (IDN) in Surya Bhaskara Jaya (SBJ), or socio-civic activities in Bahasa Indonesian, from September 10 - 14, 2013.

About 250 RSN personnel took part in providing social assistance, primary health and dental care to residents of Labuan Bajo in Flores, Indonesia.

As part of the programme, surgeries were performed onboard the RSN's Landing Ship Tank, RSS Endeavour, and the IDN's hospital ship, KRI Dr Suharso.

The navy personnel also helped to distribute essential food items such as rice, sugar, salt and cooking oil, as well as educational materials to the residents, and worked together with personnel from the IDN to carry out repair and restoration works in the villages.

The RSN has been taking part in SBJ since 1997 when it was first invited by the IDN to join the humanitarian assistance programme.

ellenja@sph.com.sg