First Cry at Sea: Baby Born on Hospital Ship Serving East Kalimantan's Coastal Communities
Penajam Paser Utara — The operating theatre aboard the Hospital Ship dr. Lie Dharmawan Bayan Peduli fell silent before erupting with the cry of a newborn. The moment marked a historic event — the first baby girl successfully delivered on the floating hospital belonging to humanitarian organisation doctorSHARE during a healthcare mission in Jenebora, Penajam Paser Utara Regency, East Kalimantan.
The delivery was carried out via Caesarean section on 19 February 2026, after the medical team assessed the mother's condition as high-risk. The patient, Mrs Aliyah (18), at approximately 37–38 weeks of pregnancy, had been diagnosed with gestational hypertension, and her Cardiotocography (CTG) results showed abnormalities. An immediate surgical intervention was decided upon to safeguard both mother and child.
The operation proceeded smoothly. The baby girl was born in stable condition, greeted with emotion by family members and medical staff in the ship's operating theatre. The mother's post-operative condition was also monitored closely and declared stable.
The birth took place as part of a medical service programme running from 15–19 February 2026, which marked doctorSHARE's inaugural activity in the Kalimantan region this year using the Hospital Ship dr. Lie Dharmawan Bayan Peduli. Over five days, the team provided general check-ups, maternal and child health services, non-communicable disease screening, and advanced medical procedures as indicated.
The coordinator of the Hospital Ship dr. Lie Dharmawan Bayan Peduli, Dr Monic Gloria, explained that the need for referral healthcare services in coastal areas remains high, even in locations relatively close to urban centres.
"Although the medical service location in Jenebora, Penajam Paser Utara is relatively close to urban areas, comprehensive healthcare access is still very much needed by coastal communities. The presence of the Hospital Ship provides a tangible solution to bridge that gap," said Dr Monic in an official statement on Friday.
She emphasised that the success of the operation was supported by the readiness of the medical personnel and healthcare facilities aboard the vessel.
"The success of this Caesarean section is inseparable from the experienced and qualified medical staff, as well as the support of adequate healthcare facilities on the dr. Lie Dharmawan Bayan Peduli," she added.
The delivery was carried out via Caesarean section on 19 February 2026, after the medical team assessed the mother's condition as high-risk. The patient, Mrs Aliyah (18), at approximately 37–38 weeks of pregnancy, had been diagnosed with gestational hypertension, and her Cardiotocography (CTG) results showed abnormalities. An immediate surgical intervention was decided upon to safeguard both mother and child.
The operation proceeded smoothly. The baby girl was born in stable condition, greeted with emotion by family members and medical staff in the ship's operating theatre. The mother's post-operative condition was also monitored closely and declared stable.
The birth took place as part of a medical service programme running from 15–19 February 2026, which marked doctorSHARE's inaugural activity in the Kalimantan region this year using the Hospital Ship dr. Lie Dharmawan Bayan Peduli. Over five days, the team provided general check-ups, maternal and child health services, non-communicable disease screening, and advanced medical procedures as indicated.
The coordinator of the Hospital Ship dr. Lie Dharmawan Bayan Peduli, Dr Monic Gloria, explained that the need for referral healthcare services in coastal areas remains high, even in locations relatively close to urban centres.
"Although the medical service location in Jenebora, Penajam Paser Utara is relatively close to urban areas, comprehensive healthcare access is still very much needed by coastal communities. The presence of the Hospital Ship provides a tangible solution to bridge that gap," said Dr Monic in an official statement on Friday.
She emphasised that the success of the operation was supported by the readiness of the medical personnel and healthcare facilities aboard the vessel.
"The success of this Caesarean section is inseparable from the experienced and qualified medical staff, as well as the support of adequate healthcare facilities on the dr. Lie Dharmawan Bayan Peduli," she added.