Banyuwangi SAR and Angkasa Pura Strengthen Aircraft Accident Rescue Operations
The Banyuwangi Search and Rescue (SAR) Office, together with PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia’s Banyuwangi International Airport branch in East Java, is strengthening the implementation of SAR operations for aircraft accidents.
Head of the Banyuwangi SAR Office, I Made Oka Astawa, explained that the cooperation is part of the National Search and Rescue Agency’s (Basarnas) commitment to building a fast, precise, effective, and coordinated aviation emergency response system.
With clear operational coordination guidelines in place, Oka Astawa expressed hope that search and rescue responses can be carried out more quickly, accurately, safely, and in an integrated manner for the safety of the public and aviation service users.
He stated that this agreement represents a strategic step in reinforcing coordination, communication, and the division of roles between agencies in conducting search and rescue operations for aircraft accidents within their working area.
“The Banyuwangi region holds a strategic position as an air transport gateway in the eastern part of Java Island, so the preparedness of all emergency handling elements must be continuously strengthened through cross-sector collaboration,” said Oka Astawa.
Oka emphasised that safety is the top priority, and through this cooperation, each party has clarity of roles, responsibilities, and coordination mechanisms when an aviation emergency occurs.
“We are optimistic that this collaboration will further strengthen preparedness and the effectiveness of search and rescue operations in the Banyuwangi area and its surroundings,” he said.
Under the scope of the agreement, the Banyuwangi SAR Office is responsible for exchanging search and rescue information, receiving and forwarding alerting services related to aircraft requiring assistance, updating data and information, and communicating the conclusion of search and rescue operations.
Meanwhile, Banyuwangi International Airport is obliged to provide support in the form of data, information, and resources, and, if necessary, delegate leadership of the Field Command Post to Basarnas in the event of an aircraft accident in the waters surrounding the airport.