Labuan Bajo, NTT (ANTARA) - The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) began conducting sea and air security operations for the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

"We will carry out security operations until May 11, 2023. Our agency will deploy 40 personnel," Head of Basarnas Vice Marshal Henri Alfiandi stated in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, on Tuesday.

As many as 40 Basarnas personnel come from the Maumere Basarnas Rescue Team, Search and Rescue Air Unit, and Basarnas Special Group (BSG), he remarked.

According to Alfiandi, the Basarnas security operation will later be conducted in the Rinca Island waters by deploying a 212 Maumere rescue boat.

Moreover, security operation on the northern sea sector of Seraya Island will be conducted by deploying a KN SAR Puntadewa 250 ship, operation for securing the waters of Merourah Hotel and Ayana Hotel will be conducted by the West Manggarai SAR Post RIB, and operation for securing the waters behind the Flores Bintang Hotel will be conducted by using a West Manggarai SAR Post rubber boat, he revealed.

In addition, the Dauphin Basarnas HR 3606 helicopter is on standby at the Plataran Hotel Komodo, while the Rescue Team is stationed at the Evacuation Post in the West Manggarai District Regional Legislative Body (DPRD) office, he stated.

On Sunday (May 7), Alfiandi checked the readiness of personnel of the Maumere SAR Office and the West Manggarai SAR Post as well as security transportation equipment.

He noted that two Task Forces were formed: the Port Task Force at the Marina Port and the Wae Kelambu Multipurpose Port, and the Basarnas Air Task Force at the Plataran Komodo Helipad.

He also called on personnel to bolster coordination in conducting these security duties.

"Uphold the spirit of discipline and improve coordination and synergy in carrying out this task," he emphasized.

The main event of the 42nd ASEAN Summit is scheduled to take place on May 9-11, while the series of activities began after the arrival of delegations in Labuan Bajo on May 6.

On May 7-8, a meeting of delegates and Senior Officers’ Meeting took place at Meruorah Komodo Hotel, the venue for this year's ASEAN Summit.

The agenda were then followed by the arrivals of ASEAN regional heads of state in Labuan Bajo, with a total of 13 state leaders expected to land on May 9.

The main agenda for the summit will start on May 10-11 at Meruorah Hotel and will be followed by dinner and a press conference.

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Translator: Fransiska Mariana N, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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