UNAIR NEWS – Ksatria Airlangga Hospital Ship (RSKKA) once again sets sail to provide healthcare services to communities in Bluto, Raas Island, Karamian Island, and Masalembu Island, Sumenep Regency. The send-off ceremony took place on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Pier I of Kalimas Port, Surabaya. This year’s 2026 RSKKA Community Service Mission carries the theme “Together Building a Healthy Generation” and runs from July 12 to July 25, 2026.
The event was attended by President Director of BPJS Kesehatan Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Dr dr Prihati Pujowaskito SpJP(K) FIHA MMRS; Head of the East Java Provincial Health Office Prof Dr dr Erwin Astha Triyono SpPD-KPTI FINASIM MARS; Vice Dean II of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Dr Abdulloh Machin dr SpN(K); Australian Vice Consul-General in Surabaya Christine Bui; Director of Universitas Airlangga Hospital (RSUA) Dr Muhammad Ardian Cahya Laksana dr SpOG Subsp Obsginsos MKes; Chair of the Ksatria Medika Airlangga Foundation Dr Christrijogo Sumartono dr SpAn (KAR KIC),; as well as representatives of other RSKKA partners.
Representing UNAIR Rector, Vice Dean II of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Dr. Machin, extends his highest appreciation to the Ksatria Medika Airlangga Foundation, RSKKA, and all partners for supporting the healthcare mission. “Universitas Airlangga is committed to becoming more than an ivory tower. The university strives to create a meaningful impact on society through community service initiatives. Therefore, Universitas Airlangga excels not only in academics and research but also in community service,” Dr Machin said.
Expand collaboration in community service
Furthermore, Dr. Machin encouraged the representative of the Australian Consulate-General in Surabaya to invite leading Australian universities to join future RSKKA healthcare missions. “This community service collaboration not only provides healthcare services but also helps improve the quality of life of communities where RSKKA docks. In the future, we hope the initiative will involve not only the Faculty of Medicine but also other faculties,” Dr Machin said.
In his remarks, President Director of BPJS Kesehatan Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Dr. Prihati Pujowaskito FIHA MMRS highlights the challenges faced by BPJS Kesehatan in ensuring equitable access to healthcare services. “We continue to face challenges posed by Indonesia’s geographically dispersed regions, which are often referred to as the 3T areas. This remains a shared challenge for all of us. We hope these areas can be assessed to determine whether adequate healthcare facilities are already available,” Dr Pujowaskito said.
He further explains that regional heads can issue an official decree designating Areas Without Adequate Healthcare Facilities (DBTFMS) and submit it to BPJS Kesehatan. This enables BPJS Kesehatan to provide mobile healthcare services to those areas. “If RSKKA visits areas that have already been designated as DBTFMS, BPJS Kesehatan can reimburse the services based on the Indonesia Case-Based Groups (INA-CBG) tariff. It is important for all stakeholders to understand this mechanism, as we hope it will help support the operational costs of healthcare services,” Dr Pujowaskito said.
Healthcare coverage for 3T areas
The President Director of BPJS Kesehatan reiterated the National Health Insurance (JKN) mechanism for 3T areas. “Remote and geographically isolated areas, such as islands that do not yet have hospitals or whose community health centers have not met the required standards, must first be designated by regional heads through an official decree. This designation enables BPJS Kesehatan to establish a cooperation agreement and provide healthcare services in those areas,” Dr Pujowaskito said.
The event also features a ship tour for invited guests, led by RSKKA Director dr Agus Harianto SpB. During a media interview, Harianto says the volunteer team consists of 37 personnel, including seven specialist physicians, 12 general practitioners, and other healthcare professionals, such as medical laboratory analysts, nutritionists, pharmacists, and other supporting personnel.
“In response to requests from island communities, we bring specialists in surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, ophthalmology, dentistry, and obstetrics and gynecology. If patients require surgery, we are fully prepared to perform the procedures on board the ship. To date, more than 100 babies have been delivered by cesarean section on the ship,” he said.
Author: Andi Pramono
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
