S'pore navy aids civic mission

TANJUNG PINANG, Riau: The Singapore navy has sent a medical team and a warship to join a civic mission conducted by the Indonesian Navy in the archipelagic province's remote subdistricts.

Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Widodo A.S. officially opened on Tuesday the 20-day mission, set to involve more than 400 personnel. His Singaporean counterpart Vice Adm. Lui Tuck Yew attended the ceremony.

During the mission code-named 44th Surya Bhaskara Jaya, seamen and officers from the two countries will help residents of Laut, Sebang Mawang, Tiga, Sedanau and West Klarik subdistricts to construct public facilities, roads and provide medical assistance.

Apart from the Singaporean Navy, which took part in the last three missions, students from various universities in Jakarta, Bogor and Riau also are involved.

"The prolonged crisis has laid huge burdens on the people, particularly those who live on remote isles. This has motivated us to do something substantial to help our brothers emerge from their adversity," Widodo said in his speech.

Another civic mission also began on Tuesday in Irian Jaya's capital of Jayapura and its surrounding three regencies, the Navy Information Service said. (amd)