Indonesian Navy Provides Free Medical Services to Maluku Fishermen During Operation Segara Purla

The Indonesian Navy has provided free medical check-ups and treatment to fishermen in Tual City and Southeast Maluku Regency as part of its support for the TNI Papua 2026 Segara Purla Task Force operations in Maluku waters. Commander of Tual Naval Base, Kodaeral IX, Colonel Andik Putro Wibowo, stated from Ambon on Tuesday that the social service activity was a form of the Navy’s concern for coastal communities and an implementation of the ‘Aku Cinta Laut’ (I Love the Sea) 2026 programme. ‘As the front line of defence, Tual Naval Base Kodaeral IX together with KRI Panah-626 is committed to ensuring that the Navy’s presence in the operational area not only upholds the law and maintains sovereignty but also brings tangible benefits to maritime communities,’ he said. According to Andik, the health service is part of the Navy’s humanist approach to coastal communities, particularly fishermen who play a strategic role in supporting the security of Indonesian waters. He noted that fishermen are not only the main actors in the fisheries sector but also strategic partners of the Navy in maintaining maritime security and preserving the marine ecosystem. ‘This synergy is also part of the strengthened Aku Cinta Laut 2026 programme because fishermen are strategic partners and the front line in maintaining Indonesia’s maritime security and marine ecosystem sustainability,’ he added. The humanitarian action was led by the Assistant for Logistics of the Fleet Combat Group, Colonel Sulis Yudho Prasetyo, accompanied by Operations Assistant Officer Lieutenant Colonel Agus Solikhin and Commander of KRI Panah-626 Lieutenant Colonel Yudha Himawan.