Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Police (Polri) has prepared an additional 1,500 personnel to strengthen post-disaster response efforts following floods in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
Deputy Chief of Polri Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo said on Friday that the deployment aims to address urgent needs for manpower and infrastructure.
"Polri is redeploying personnel along with supporting equipment deemed necessary following a month-long evaluation," Prasetyo said.
He detailed that 600 personnel from two battalions of Polri's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) will be stationed in Aceh Tamiang and North Aceh. The remaining 900 personnel are drawn from regional police forces in Aceh, South Sumatra, Banten, Yogyakarta, West Nusa Tenggara, East Kalimantan, and South Sulawesi.
Polri has already deployed a total of 8,613 personnel for disaster response. Of these, 7,614 are from regional police units in the affected provinces, while 999 are reinforcements from Polri Headquarters.
In addition, the police have deployed health workers, trauma healing teams, and Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) units.
"Currently, 43 health workers, 82 trauma healing personnel, and DVI teams are operating, particularly in North Sumatra, where several bodies are undergoing DNA identification," Prasetyo added.
To meet basic needs, Polri is also providing clean water through boreholes. Of the targeted 300 locations, 238 have been prepared, with 84 already operational.
Polri has established 91 disaster response posts, serving nearly 38,000 residents. Common health complaints include fever, cough, diarrhea, skin conditions, and digestive disorders.
Prasetyo reaffirmed that the police would continue strengthening coordination with local governments.
"Polri must always be present among the community, especially during disasters. This is part of our humanitarian duty and service to the nation," he said.
