Bappenas Head Supports Strengthening of Basarnas in National SAR System
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of National Development Planning/Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Rachmat Pambudy supports the strengthening of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) within the national Search and Rescue (SAR) system.
“This is not an administrative body, but an operational one with very significant responsibilities. Its duties put lives at risk, both for those being rescued and those doing the rescuing,” he stated during an audience with the Head of Basarnas, Air Marshal TNI Mohammad Syafii, according to an official statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.
In the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029, Basarnas is noted to have a strategic role in supporting national priorities, particularly disaster resilience and transportation safety. This role contributes to public protection, strengthening national connectivity, and maintaining the stability of economic activities, including logistics and mobility.
Additionally, Basarnas is an important part of the national risk management system.
Therefore, he continued, accelerated steps are needed to ensure that RPJMN targets can be achieved optimally through capacity strengthening, system transformation, and more integrated policy support.
Rachmat Pambudy emphasised the importance of adequate operational budget support, given that search and rescue activities cannot be delayed. Improvements and modernisation of equipment to support operations are also necessary, as well as strengthening human resource capacity to meet the mandates of laws and regulations.
Furthermore, Indonesia’s position in the Ring of Fire makes it prone to major disasters such as megathrust events, making the strengthening of the search and rescue system increasingly crucial.
The Minister of National Development Planning conveyed that there is a shared vision and mission in efforts to strengthen Basarnas.
“We hope that all efforts and plans that have been prepared can be immediately followed up together with the ranks of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas. I will also continue to monitor the development and strengthening of Basarnas going forward,” he said.