Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno accentuated Indonesia's seriousness in providing humanitarian aid to the victims of the earthquake in Myanmar.
"We show our seriousness in helping Myanmar and also supporting our team who had been in Myanmar for three days," the minister remarked after the send-off of humanitarian aid at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Thursday.
Pratikno highlighted that this aid delivery was the third batch sent by the Indonesian government to Myanmar.
The third batch was sent aboard two planes to transport logistical aid in the form of medicines, medical devices, ready-to-eat food, and others, weighing a total of 124 tons worth over Rp20 billion (US$1.1 million).
"As a dignified nation, we prioritize humanity, providing aid as quickly as possible. Moreover, we are fellow ASEAN countries," he stated.
The humanitarian mission team from Indonesia for handling the 7.7M earthquake disaster in Myanmar landed at Naypyidaw Airport on Tuesday (April 1). The team consists of Indonesian Search and Rescue (INASAR) personnel, Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) members, and several representatives of institutions.
Upon arrival in Myanmar, the INASAR team immediately headed to the Base of Operation (BoO) in the Naypyidaw area. The Indonesian team immediately joined the USAR team from other countries and coordinated with the Singapore USAR Team as the regional coordinator for the search territory in Naypyidaw and Mandalay.
The Indonesian team's activities on the next day began with coordination between the Indonesian Team and Myanmar's deputy minister for emergency. This meeting was facilitated by the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center).
Representatives of the Indonesian team also met with the Director General and Fire Brigade Commander of Myanmar for an assignment request.
The INASAR Team was directed to conduct an assessment and provide assistance at the civil servant housing complex in Thukha Theiddhi Ward, Naypyidaw, where it is predicted that some victims may still be buried in the ruins.
The INASAR Team was divided into Alfa and Bravo teams, and to date, they successfully evacuated three victims from the ruins.
Besides conducting search and rescue operations, the Indonesian team provided medical services to Myanmar's residents.
