He said he is optimistic that the Defense Ministry will not encounter any obstacles in sending logistical aid to Myanmar, given the close coordination between the TNI, the Myanmar authorities, and the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.
He also assured that the TNI will not interfere in the political affairs of Myanmar, which has seen prolonged conflict following a military coup against the country's civilian government in 2021.
"We, the Indonesian people, are (sincerely) helping the people of Myanmar. So that is what we hold on to," Ermawan said during a send-off of humanitarian aid at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Monday.
The Ministry of Defense sent 12 tons of logistical aid via a Hercules aircraft to support earthquake victims in Myanmar.
The aid package comprised contributions from the TNI, the National Alms Agency (Baznas), as well as various governmental and community elements.
The TNI has mobilized 39 personnel, comprising Hercules pilots and members of the Marine Corps, Special Force Command (Kopassus), Rapid Action Force Command (Kopasgat), and Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad), for conducting humanitarian missions.
The missions include providing medical treatment to earthquake victims, establishing refugee posts, as well as conducting search and rescue operations.
"Later, we will assess how many security teams are needed to provide security to officers carrying out duties in the disaster-affected areas," Ermawan said.
The TNI personnel will also provide food, medicine, tents, and other equipment to earthquake victims.
Ermawan expressed the hope that the assistance provided by the Indonesian government would help ease the burden on earthquake victims in Myanmar.
Earlier, Myanmar's shadow administration announced a two-week ceasefire starting March 30, 2025, to allow rescue operations after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the country on Friday (March 28), local media reported.
The National Unity Government—formed by lawmakers ousted in the February 2021 military coup—said that it will send staff from the Civil Disobedience Movement to assist in junta-controlled areas if the military ensures the safety of rescue personnel and avoids making arrests.
The earthquake, whose epicenter was located in the Sagaing region, killed 1,700 people and injured 3,408, according to state media. The authorities warned that the death toll could rise further, with dozens still missing across the country.
Myanmar has faced widespread conflict since the 2021 coup, with the junta battling ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces, including the People's Defense Force, the National Unity Government's military wing.
Translator: Walda Marison, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
