Basarnas Strengthens International Network to Boost Rescue Response

Indonesia is further strengthening its position as a centre for international collaboration in the field of search and rescue (SAR). This was marked by the opening of Indonesia International Search and Rescue (IISAR) 2026 at the Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE), PIK 2, Tangerang, on Thursday (9/7/2026). The four-day international event brings together domestic and foreign stakeholders to discuss the challenges of rescue operations in the era of climate change and to introduce the latest SAR technology. Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno assessed that the implementation of IISAR 2026 is highly relevant given the increasing threat of disasters due to climate change and the high risk of disasters in Indonesia, which is located in the Ring of Fire. ‘Climate change is increasing, Indonesia is also an archipelagic country and is in the Ring of Fire. Hydrometeorological disasters also continue to haunt us,’ Pratikno said. According to him, these challenges make search and rescue capabilities increasingly important because every second is crucial in determining the safety of victims. He stated that strengthening SAR operations cannot rely solely on past experience. The use of the latest technology must go hand in hand with improving the quality of human resources and strengthening the empathy of rescue personnel. He also reminded that SAR operations are a shared responsibility involving Basarnas, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the National Police, central and regional governments, and volunteers. ‘In rescue, minutes are very valuable to save lives. Therefore, all parties must be able to move quickly,’ he stressed. Head of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) Mohammad Syafii explained that IISAR 2026 is a first-time event conceived as an implementation of the mandate of Law Number 29 of 2014 concerning Search and Rescue. According to him, this activity is not merely an exhibition, but a platform for communication, education, coordination, and collaboration for the national and international SAR community. He noted that 28 countries are involved in the implementation of IISAR 2026, albeit with varying participation, ranging from discussion forums and technology exhibitions to rescue skills competitions. In this international forum, participants exchange knowledge regarding rescue operation standards from various world organisations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Maritime Organization, and the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group. Syafii said this learning is very important as a reference for Basarnas in handling various types of search and rescue operations, from plane crashes and maritime accidents to disaster management. IISAR 2026 also features competitions between national and international SAR teams as a means of sharing operational field experiences. ‘We want all participants to gain education about operational mechanisms, working relationships, and the latest developments in emergency handling,’ he said. One of the main attractions of IISAR 2026 is the SAR technology exhibition featuring nearly 57 booths from various companies and institutions. Various innovations on display include emergency communication technology, as well as air, land, sea, and underwater rescue equipment. Several companies such as PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), Bell Helicopter, and various international SAR technology providers also introduced the latest solutions to support rescue operations. Syafii said his party deliberately provided space for industry partners to showcase innovations that can be utilised in future SAR operations. ‘We want to get the latest technological information to support air, land, and underwater SAR, so that in an emergency all potentials can complement each other and synergise,’ he explained. Unlike the forums and competitions attended by registered participants, the IISAR 2026 exhibition area is open to the general public. Visitors can see various rescue technologies, operational vehicles, and modern SAR equipment every day from 11.00 to 19.00 WIB. Basarnas recorded that around 1,500 visitors had registered online on the first day of the event. IISAR 2026 Founder Candra Tri Saktiyanto expressed hope that the event would broaden public understanding that the SAR industry has a significant role in daily life. ‘Search and Rescue is very important in emergency contexts wherever we are. Although this is a niche market, the SAR industry has a lot of potential to be developed because it is directly related to safety at home, in buildings, and in various community activities,’ he said. He also hoped that IISAR 2026 would give birth to strategic collaborations, accelerate technology transfer, increase human resource capacity, and strengthen global synergy in facing various emergency situations. ‘Territorial boundaries only separate countries, but humanitarian values always unite our goals. Hopefully, IISAR will become an important milestone in strengthening global collaboration in the field of search and rescue,’ concluded Candra.