Indonesia, Turkiye sign MoU on disaster emergency response

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The governments of Indonesia and Turkiye have agreed to focus on training human resources in disaster emergency response as one of the key aspects of their cooperation.

This agreement is outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), which was signed in Ankara on Thursday (April 10).

"The training will focus on improving the quality of human resources in the form of emergency response simulations," Head of the BNPB Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, noted in a statement here on Friday.

The MoU was inked by BNPB Head Suharyanto and AFAD President Ali Hamza Pehlivan, as witnessed by President Prabowo Subianto and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The collaboration between BNPB and AFAD encompasses organizing conferences, seminars, and joint studies, as well as sharing experiences and best practices in disaster management in emergency response.

Both nations also agreed to provide mutual support in responding to natural disasters and are committed to continuing cooperation by drafting a plan of action that includes a timeline and measurable program activities.

Furthermore, Indonesia and Turkiye agreed to develop trilateral cooperation and South-South collaboration to assist third-world countries, regional organizations, and neighboring countries.

The BNPB views this cooperation as a reinforcement of the humanitarian ties that have long united the two countries.

In 2024, Indonesia extended logistical assistance and dispatched a humanitarian team to assist Turkiye following the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the country.