Disaster Threat Increases, Basarnas Has Not Added Equipment

JAKARTA - Basarnas has not planned to add facilities or equipment in the midst of the threat of flooding and prolonged drought. For emergency operations, the agency relies on the deployment of cross-ministry and agency forces, including the TNI-Polri.

Head of Basarnas Marsda TNI Mohammad Syafii said that Basarnas could not handle the disaster alone. In field operations, Basarnas plays the role of coordinator for search and rescue missions.

"We are working together with all ministries and agencies and assisted by all potential," said Syafii at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday, July 28.

According to Syafii, the cooperation that has been built allows equipment and personnel from other institutions to be deployed when disasters occur.

"With a memorandum of understanding with ministries and agencies, especially the TNI-Polri, we can deploy all forces," he said.

However, when asked about plans to add certain facilities or tools, Syafii said there was no decision.

"Not yet. Later if there is any development we will convey," he said.

Regarding the threat of prolonged drought, Basarnas is still waiting for official information from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency.

Syafii emphasized that the task of Basarnas focuses on handling human emergencies. In the disaster management cycle, Basarnas operations are under the coordination of the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency.