RSKKA sails to Sumenep Islands

For nearly a decade, Australia and Indonesia have maintained a strong and sustainable diplomatic partnership. Their development cooperation spans various sectors, including education, infrastructure, climate resilience, governance, and social inclusion. Since 2024, Australia and Indonesia have collaborated under the Australia–Indonesia Development Partnership Plan 2024–2028. The partnership focuses on promoting equitable and sustainable economic transformation, strengthening climate-resilient communities, and enhancing institutional capacity.

Direct aid program

In East Java and Central Java, the Australian Consulate General in Surabaya supports local communities through the Direct Aid Program in collaboration with the Ksatria Airlangga Hospital Ship (RSKKA). This partnership aims to improve equitable access to healthcare services for island communities. The Australian Consulate General recognizes that health promotion, disease prevention, and early detection play a crucial role in reducing the impact of life-threatening illnesses. However, access to these essential healthcare services remains limited for many people living in remote and island communities. The collaboration between RSKKA and the Australian Consulate General therefore provides renewed hope for these underserved populations.

The RSKKA UNAIR team, the Australian Consulate General, local government representatives, and community leaders pose together during the opening ceremony of Bakti RSKKA 2026. (Photo: RSKKA Media Team)

As part of its support for the collaboration, the Deputy Consul General of the Australian Consulate General in Surabaya attended the ceremonial departure of RSKKA at Kalimas Port, Surabaya, on Sunday (July 12, 2026). The hospital ship will deliver health education and medical services directly to residents in remote island communities, particularly in addressing serious diseases. By reaching people in their own communities, the initiative is expected to improve public health outcomes and strengthen community well-being. Furthermore, Glen Askew, representing the Australian Consulate General in Surabaya, also visited healthcare activities on Raas Island. He attended the opening of a health education seminar on sexual health and early marriage for students of MA Sirajul Akhyar on Raas Island.

Sustainable partnership

“Australia and Indonesia have a long history of working together to address the health challenges facing our shared region,” said Australia’s Minister for International Development, Small Business, and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon. Dr. Anne Aly MP, during her visit to Indonesia.

The partnership continues through the Australia–Indonesia Partnership for Health Transformation (KITA SEHAT). The eight-year initiative aims to promote the well-being and resilience of families and communities across Indonesia. It is designed to strengthen Indonesia’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases affecting both humans and animals, as well as public health emergencies. The program also focuses on building a resilient healthcare system capable of delivering equitable and inclusive primary healthcare services.

In addition to the Australian Consulate General, Bakti RSKKA 2026 also received support from various partners, including HCML SKK Migas and OneMed as sponsors. The Indonesian Ministry of Health, the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI), BPJS Kesehatan, Dr. Soetomo Regional General Hospital, Aperindo, Pelindo, and the Sumenep Regency Government, and Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga also contributed to the implementation of the community service program. “Hopefully, through this collaboration, more partnership programs will be established with the Ksatria Airlangga Hospital Ship to further improve the quality of healthcare services, especially for island communities,” said dr. Agus Harianto, Sp.B., Director of RSKKA. (*)