SOUTHEAST MALUKU (July 24, 2024) – Around 250 elementary, middle, and high school students from Kei Besar Island, Southeast Maluku Regency, met and spoke with Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini, their faces beaming with happiness. The meeting took place on the deck of the Naval Vessel of the Republic of Indonesia (KRI) Teluk Weda-526, which was docked at Kei Besar Island in Southeast Maluku Regency on Wednesday (24/7).


Minister Risma, in collaboration with the Indonesian Navy, launched the floating library KRI Teluk Weda-526, the first digital library on a navy vessel. "My dear children, the navy vessel I traveled on from Ambon to here currently has a library. Minister Risma asked the children, "Do you like reading books?" They responded enthusiastically, "Yes."


KRI Teluk Weda has a collection of books as well as digital books (e-books) that children, especially those in Eastern Indonesia, can read. Since its establishment in 2023, the KRI Teluk Weda library has invited children from Sarmi, Sorong, and other regions to experience reading aboard the naval vessel.


Meanwhile, MoSA provided various forms of assistance to the 250 students present. The aid included 73 computers for schools, educational play tools, sports equipment, art supplies, school stationery, and nutrition. Students, teachers, and school principals all expressed satisfaction with the event. The 250 students present represented 15 elementary schools, 5 junior high schools, and 5 high schools.


"This is a great activity for the children. They are very happy to meet the Minister of Social Affairs and to read on such a large ship," said Aminah, principal of SDN Inpres Dit Rahareng. "This is their first experience—meeting Minister Risma and boarding a naval vessel," she added.


KRI Teluk Weda-526 is the first naval vessel to feature a floating library. For this innovation, the Commander of KRI Teluk Weda-526, Lt. Col. (P) Ricky Tacomariyanto, received the 2023 Soedirman Award in the Innovative Navy Soldier category. The Soedirman Awards 2023 ceremony took place on November 13, 2023, in Balai Samudra in North Jakarta, and was attended by Indonesian National Armed Forces Commander Admiral Yudo Margono and Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.