Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense has dispatched 12 tons of humanitarian aid via a Hercules aircraft to support earthquake victims in Myanmar.
The aid package included contributions from the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), the National Alms Agency (Baznas), and various government and community organizations.
“The aid consists of tents, food, blankets, medicines, and other essential medical supplies,” Deputy Minister of Defense Donny Ermawan stated during the send-off ceremony at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on Monday.
He explained that this humanitarian mission was carried out following President Prabowo Subianto’s directive.
Ermawan noted that the aid would first be transported by the Indonesian Air Force from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base to Sultan Iskandar Muda Air Force Base in Aceh, before being delivered directly to Naypyidaw Airport, Myanmar.
To support the relief efforts, the TNI has deployed 39 personnel, including Hercules pilots and special forces members. Their mission includes providing medical treatment, establishing refugee shelters, and searching for missing victims.
“They will also serve as the advance team, offering immediate assistance to those affected,” Ermawan added.
He stated that these personnel would remain in Myanmar for an unspecified duration, depending on the situation.
Emphasizing Indonesia’s neutral stance, Ermawan assured that the TNI would not interfere in Myanmar’s internal affairs.
Regarding the logistics delivery process, he confirmed that his ministry had encountered no significant obstacles, despite the challenging situation in Myanmar. The TNI has coordinated with local authorities and the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center) to ensure smooth operations.
Ermawan expressed hope that Indonesia’s assistance would help alleviate the hardships faced by earthquake victims in Myanmar.
