The Indonesian Ambassador to Vanuatu, Siswo Pramono, has dismissed recent claims of health risks associated with Indonesian medical services as baseless.

“This is not an allegation but a hoax,” he said. He defined a hoax as a “deliberate act meant to deceive or trick people into believing something false, often for personal gain, amusement, or to create confusion.”

Prior to the arrival of the Indonesian navy hospital ship, WSH-991, in Port Vila, the Special Envoy of West Papua in Vanuatu Morris Kaloran warned the people of health risks and urged them to stay away.

He also describes the vessel’s presence as a ‘slap in the face’ to the Melanesian people, particularly Vanuatu which has been a vocal advocate for the rights of west Papuans.

In his response, Ambassador Pramono emphasized the advances made in public health in Papua, Indonesia, citing statistics that demonstrate improved life expectancy among Papuans over the last five years under Indonesia’s public health services.

“In Indonesia, health services are pretty much standardized,” he said.

He drew a comparison between Port Vila, which has a population of around 50,000, and the Regency of Keerom in Papua, which has approximately 60,000 residents.

According to data from the Statistics of Papua Provinces in 2021, Keerom is served by 33 doctors, 234 nurses, 114 midwives, 30 pharmacists, and 29 nutritionists.

“This shows that the government of Papua’s provinces is committed to promoting public health, with significant support from Indonesia’s central government,” he said.

In alignment with Vanuatu’s public health goals, Pramono noted that, at Prime Minister Charlot Salwai’s request, Indonesia recently dispatched ten experienced nursing trainers to Port Vila to enhance the quality and capacity of nursing services.

“The mission is to help improve the quality and capacity of Port Vila’s nursing services, and we will continue this program into next year,” he said.

Ambassador Pramono, who is based in Australia, also highlighted Indonesia’s international reputation for public health development.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia was entrusted by the United Nations to serve as a co-chair of the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Advance Market Commitment, ensuring equitable vaccine distribution among developing countries, including Vanuatu.

“According to Our World in Data, Indonesia was among the five countries with the highest COVID vaccination rates among developing nations,” he said.

He said that the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) recognized Indonesia’s effective governance during the pandemic by raising its Democracy Index from 6.3 in 2020 to 6.71 in 2021.

“This progress reflects the Indonesian government’s commitment to providing the basic human right of health,” he said.

In response to Vanuatu’s request for further healthcare support, the recent visit of the Indonesian Navy hospital ship to Port Vila is seen as an extension of Indonesia’s humanitarian cooperation with Vanuatu.

“This mission, like our support during COVID-19 through COVAX, illustrates our commitment to being a good partner,” said Mr. Pramono.

He said that Vanuatu’s government has expressed interest in expanding the program, with requests for the hospital ship to visit other islands.

“As the Indonesian Ambassador, I will recommend that the Indonesian government seriously consider this request,” he added.

glenda@dailypost.vu