“This Fleet Day reminds us that hardship in one area is hardship for all of us,” Ali said after leading the 2025 Fleet Day ceremony at Madura Pier, Fleet Command II, here on Friday.
He explained that the Navy has deployed 13 warships, including a hospital ship, expected to remain longer in disaster-affected areas in Aceh and Sumatra to provide medical services.
Aerial assets, such as Cassa aircraft and helicopters, were also deployed to reach isolated areas inaccessible by land.
“The Cassa can land on short runways and has a sizable payload capacity. While smaller than the Hercules, it is more flexible,” Ali said.
Moreover, landing ship tank and landing platform dock vessels have been placed on standby to support logistics delivery to the Nias Islands, which are experiencing supply disruptions.
Hospital ships were positioned in Sibolga, North Sumatra, and Tamiang, Aceh, areas among the most severely affected.
Deployment duration will follow assessments by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and local governments based on field conditions and community needs.
“The Navy is ready to extend operations as long as residents still need assistance and medical services,” he said.
Marine engineering units and field medical battalions will be deployed to support reconstruction and rehabilitation once the emergency response ends, he added.
He emphasized that professionalism remains essential to ensure humanitarian missions are carried out safely.
“New defense assets are being prepared to be optimized in humanitarian operations,” he said.
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Translator: Indra, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
