"We are currently operating 20 warships in various regions, including Belawan, East Aceh, Aceh Tamiang, Lhokseumawe, Padang, Nias, and Sibolga," Operation Assistant to the TNI AL Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Yayan Sofiyan, remarked in North Jakarta on Thursday.
Addressing the press after a meeting with the Ministry of Transportation, he highlighted that TNI AL Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali promptly ordered the establishment of a centralized disaster response command in Jakarta, along with the coordinated deployment of aid, equipment, and personnel.
Sofiyan added that he immediately followed up on the instruction by preparing four naval vessels in the initial stage to support rapid response efforts and deliver essential supplies urgently needed in disaster-stricken regions.
He further noted that the first fleet consisted of two hospital ships—KRI Dr. Soeharso and KRI Dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat—and two landing platform dock (LPD) ships, KRI Banda Aceh and KRI Teluk Banten.
According to him, the TNI AL has been operating medical vessels to treat wounds, respiratory tract infections, and other health problems caused by the disasters. So far, these ships have provided care to thousands of patients.
Meanwhile, as large amphibious vessels, LPD ships are designed to transport and deploy personnel as well as various equipment, including ground vehicles and helicopters.
On that note, Sofiyan reported that his side has deployed marine personnel, Panther helicopters, and Casa C-212 aircraft to support evacuation efforts and ensure the smooth distribution of logistics to areas isolated by debris from the floods and landslides.
Furthermore, he noted that the TNI AL has mobilized trauma-healing teams, installed power generators for local hospitals, cleaned public facilities and infrastructure, and undertaken measures to help restore public services.
Related news: Indonesian Navy receives new frigate KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321
Related news: Indonesian navy hospital ship treats flood victims in North Sumatra
Related news: Indonesian navy deploys marine engineers, ships for Sumatra recovery
Translator: M. Harianto, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
