He emphasized that Indonesia must play an active role in assisting friendly nations during times of disaster.
“I have instructed the TNI to add more medical battalions. These medical units should not only support disaster response within the country but also be ready to assist when humanitarian crises occur elsewhere,” President Prabowo said in response to journalists’ questions at the Air Force Base Operations Command (Lanud) Halim Perdanakusuma here on Monday.
Prabowo cited examples of international solidarity shown when Indonesia faced major disasters, such as the 2004 earthquake and tsunami in Aceh and the 2018 earthquake, tsunami, and liquefaction in Palu, Central Sulawesi.
At that time, many countries sent aircraft and logistical aid to help the Indonesian people.
“Many countries helped us when we faced disasters. As part of the global community, we must also assist other nations in need. When Turkey was hit by a major earthquake, we sent two Hercules aircraft carrying humanitarian supplies, and we were ready to deploy ships as well,” Prabowo said.
The president added that during the ceasefire in Gaza, Palestinian territory, Indonesian doctors from the TNI’s joint medical battalions continued their service at a hospital managed by the United Arab Emirates in Rafah, Gaza.
In addition to Rafah, TNI medical personnel are also stationed aboard a floating hospital ship docked at El Arish Port in Egypt.
The TNI medical team, consisting of ten personnel, entered Gaza in September 2024 and served for about a month before being rotated with another medical team stationed at the El Arish floating hospital.
Regarding the recent arrival of the Air Force’s newest transport aircraft, the Airbus A400M, Prabowo expressed confidence that the heavy airlifter would enhance Indonesia’s capacity in humanitarian missions.
“I believe this aircraft is very capable. Its role will be crucial in future evacuation operations for the wounded who require medical procedures. That’s why we are preparing an air surgery module and an air ambulance system,” President Prabowo told ANTARA.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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