About 250 personnel from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) worked with their counterparts from the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) to provide social assistance, primary health and dental care to residents of Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia from 10 to 14 Sep.
Commonly known as Surya Bhaskara Jaya (SBJ), the socio-civic programme saw surgeries being performed on board the RSN's Landing Ship Tank, RSS Endeavour, as well as the TNI-AL's hospital ship, KRI Dr Suharso.
"It was an enriching experience, because in Singapore, we do not often have a scenario where people lack the basic necessities for healthcare. We also do not carry out such work on a ship often, so I benefitted a lot from this experience," said medic Corporal First Class (CFC) Jeremy Karfar.
During the humanitarian assistance programme, RSN personnel distributed essential food items such as rice, sugar, salt and cooking oil, as well as education materials to the residents. They also worked with TNI-AL personnel for repair and restoration efforts in the villages.
Midshipman (MID) Kenneth Yap, who helped to repaint schools, provide free medical services and donate old education materials, said: "SBJ has been an eye-opening experience as I had the chance to interact with soldiers from the Indonesian Navy."
He added: "As an NSF (Full-Time National Serviceman), I would have never thought that enlisting in the SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) would bring me these kinds of experiences. I am very fortunate to have had a chance to come with the Navy and be exposed to a meaningful experience like this."
The RSN's consistent participation in SBJ since 1997 highlights the excellent defence ties between the two navies. Both navies share a long history of close and mutually beneficial cooperation, and interact regularly through exercises and professional exchanges.
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