Basarnas Reveals Official Travel Budget Cuts Alter Operational Patterns

The reduction in official travel budgets has altered the working patterns of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). This situation has become a point of concern because the nature of Basarnas’ work is heavily dependent on personnel mobility.

Search and rescue operations do not merely take place in offices or command centres. Basarnas teams must move to accident or disaster sites, which involve varying levels of coordination and preparedness requirements.

“Savings on official travel expenditure budgets have changed the existing working patterns within the National SAR Agency. However, we must convey that Basarnas is an operational organisation that requires official travel as part of its duties and functions in conducting operations,” stated the Head of Basarnas, Mohammad Syafii, during a meeting with Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) on Tuesday (1/9/2026).

Mobility is an essential operational requirement when Basarnas conducts search and rescue missions across various regions. In addition to personnel, these activities require support in terms of infrastructure, communication, and equipment that can be utilised in the field.

From January to August 2026, Basarnas has conducted 1,971 SAR operations. This figure reflects the high demand for personnel and equipment readiness to respond to incidents in the field.

“However, we must emphasise that Basarnas is an operational organisation that requires official travel as part of its duties and functions in conducting operations. Consequently, we have directed our budget adjustments to ensure that budget priorities continue to support the primary duties and functions of the National SAR Agency, particularly the execution of operations and SAR preparedness,” he added.

Budgetary pressure is also evident in Basarnas’ requirements for 2027, which amount to Rp3.86 trillion. Meanwhile, the available ceiling is only Rp1.56 trillion, resulting in a backlog of approximately Rp2.29 trillion.

This condition has led to budget allocations being more strictly directed towards needs directly related to SAR operations. The fulfilment of infrastructure and facilities remains one of the largest needs that has not yet been fully met.

“Our budget planning for 2027 is focused on supporting the primary duties and functions of Basarnas, specifically the execution of operations and SAR preparedness. Basarnas requests support from the leadership, deputy chairs, and all members of Commission V of the DPR RI in fulfilling the priority budget requirements that we undertake,” said Syafii.