Kodaeral IV Forms Quick Response Naval Command for Emergencies

The Indonesian Navy’s Regional Naval Command IV (Kodaeral IV) in Batam, Riau Islands, has established a Quick Response Naval Command (QRNC) to speed up responses to emergencies, including maritime violations in the region.

Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff’s Assistant for Intelligence, Rear Admiral Andy Kriswanto, said the QRNC would serve as Kodaeral IV’s rapid-response unit, supporting operations at sea, particularly against smuggling and other violations.

“Quick Response Naval Command has been set up by Kodaeral IV to reach incidents such as smuggling and other violations at sea. It is hoped the QRNC will help with enforcement operations at sea,” Andy said at the Kodaeral IV Coastal Defence Unit headquarters in Batam on Tuesday.

Kodaeral IV is also preparing a natural-disaster response task force to help the government deal with disasters affecting communities.

“The disaster-response task force will focus on disaster management, rescue and humanitarian assistance, while the QRNC task force will focus on rapid responses to security developments and incidents requiring immediate action,” he said.

Andy said Indonesia faces various potential disasters due to weather conditions and seasonal changes. The El Niño phenomenon is currently increasing the risk of forest and land fires in several areas.

Kodaeral IV held a natural-disaster preparedness assembly attended by its commander, Rear Admiral Berkat Widjanarko, the deputy commander, the inspector, senior officials and personnel from relevant units.

The event included checks of personnel, equipment and supporting supplies to ensure they could be deployed quickly and in a coordinated manner during an emergency.

The rapid-response teams’ formation is also part of Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP), particularly efforts to support disaster management, evacuations and humanitarian assistance for the public.