51 National Police Headquarters Personnel Return to Jakarta Following Flores Earthquake Mission
A total of 51 personnel from the Indonesian National Police Headquarters (Mabes Polri) under Operational Control Assistance (BKO) have completed their 14-day humanitarian mission across several earthquake-affected regions in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
The group comprised five specialist units that served as the backbone of the post-earthquake emergency response: the Medical and Health Centre (Pusdokkes) & DVI team; the K-9 SAR team from the Sabhara Corps; the Psychology Division team; the Internal Affairs (Propam) Division team; and the Public Relations Division team.
The East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police (Polda NTT) officially released them to return to the National Police Headquarters during the Aman Nusa II Turangga 2026 BKO Personnel Release Ceremony held at the West Manggarai Police Station courtyard on Monday (31/8/2026).
The ceremony was led by the Deputy Chief of NTT Regional Police, Brigadier General Faizal, and attended by senior officials of the NTT Regional Police and the West Manggarai Police Chief, AKBP Christian Kadang. The release was marked by the presentation of traditional Manggarai songket scarves.
Faizal noted that spending two weeks in a disaster zone was a significant challenge. Limited facilities, difficult geographical terrain, and the high levels of anxiety among affected residents tested the 51 personnel.
“Natural disasters occur without warning. However, the National Police must always be present among the community to provide protection, service, and assistance, as well as to ensure that public security and order remain conducive,” Faizal stated during the ceremony.
The leadership of the NTT Regional Police expressed appreciation to the five specialist units for their role in the emergency response. As a mark of respect and recognition for their high dedication, Faizal presented certificates of appreciation from the NTT Regional Police Chief to representatives of the 51 personnel.
The Head of Public Relations for the NTT Regional Police, Kombes Henry Novika Chandra, explained that although the specialist personnel from the National Police Headquarters are returning to their central base, the police commitment to overseeing the Flores earthquake recovery remains steadfast. The NTT Regional Police will now take over the extension of the disaster management operations independently.
Henry emphasised that the departure of the BKO personnel does not diminish the readiness of the National Police Headquarters. The personnel remain available for redeployment if required at any time.
“Regarding the disaster management period, the NTT Regional Police is extending the operation independently. Meanwhile, the BKO personnel from the National Police Headquarters are currently on standby. If they are needed again, they are ready to be reassigned,” Henry explained.