Basarnas lifts KSAD General Maruli as honorary citizen, highlights the role of the Indonesian Army in SAR operations

(KSAD) General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak said the TNI was with Basarnas in a humanitarian mission.

JAKARTA - Basarnas appointed the Chief of Staff of the Army (KSAD) General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak as an Honorary Citizen of Basarnas, Thursday (12/2/2026). The award was given amid the emphasis of the SAR agency of the country on the support of the TNI AD in search and rescue operations in various disasters and emergencies.

The award ceremony took place in a Dialogue and Sarasehan Forum with the theme "Strengthening Basarnas in the National SAR System" at the Basarnas Headquarters, Central Jakarta. Basarnas said that this award was given to individuals or organizations that were considered to be of integrity, committed to humanity, and had significant and sustainable contributions in supporting SAR operations - ranging from natural disasters, transportation accidents, to other emergency situations. Aspects of the assessment also include reputation, innovation, and exemplary as public figures.

Basarnas considers synergy with the TNI AD to be one of the keys to rapid and integrated response during crises. At the forum, General Maruli emphasized that the TNI AD was ready to provide assistance in disaster handling and SAR operations in accordance with the main duties of the TNI. "Every time there is a disaster or SAR operation, we are always involved in the search and rescue efforts for victims," said KSAD General Maruli.

He stated the commitment of the Indonesian Army to continue to work with Basarnas in humanitarian missions. According to him, cross-agency collaboration determines the speed and accuracy of assistance in the field.

In addition to General Maruli, the Basarnas Honorary Citizen award was also given to the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Marshal TNI Mohammad Tonny Harjono, the Head of BNPB, Lieutenant General TNI Dr. Suharyanto, as well as a number of officials from other ministries and state institutions.