Korem 163/Wira Satya initiates simultaneous aid delivery to NTT
Korem 163/Wira Satya has initiated the simultaneous collection and delivery of humanitarian aid from all local government levels across Bali Province for residents affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
“After coordinating with the Governor of Bali, we then initiated the gathering of all this so that aid from Bali Province can proceed smoothly and arrive on time in Labuan Bajo,” said Commander of Korem 163/Wira Satya, Brigadier General TNI Ida I Dewa Agung Hadisaputra.
Commander Hadi explained in Denpasar on Monday that the aid delivery involves synergy from all levels across the Bali region, from the provincial level down to eight regencies and cities, together with the District Military Commanders (Dandim), Regents, and Mayors.
All contributions from local governments, related institutions such as the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), and the private sector have been consolidated into a single convoy consisting of nine trucks.
“Specifically for Bali Province, we received direction from the Governor, whereby everything from the regencies/cities including from the Bali Provincial Government will be combined so that approximately nine trucks have been prepared, including for escort,” he said.
He added that the overland and sea journey is estimated to take three days and two nights, starting from Karangasem Port heading to West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), before continuing to the final destination in Labuan Bajo.
“We are centralising in Labuan Bajo Regency, so from there TNI personnel have the task of distributing it everywhere; they understand the situation better, and there are no problems with access, as we have coordinated along the route in both NTB and NTT,” he said.
The aid is expected to support residents’ needs before the reconstruction phase of public facilities and community housing begins.
“Our hope is that what we are providing today can help, however modestly, our brothers and sisters in the earthquake-affected area of NTT,” said the Commander.
For this initiative, Bali Governor Wayan Koster expressed appreciation to Korem 163/Wira Satya for uniting the concern of all regions in Bali.
“Thank you for the Commander’s initiative in organising our collective concern for the disaster experienced in NTT,” said Koster.
He said this concern demonstrates Bali’s solidarity, noting that in this follow-up aid delivery, the truck convoy and TNI escort are transporting logistical aid in the form of food, clothing, and daily necessities for evacuees.
Governor Koster reminded the escort team and drivers to prioritise safety during the three-day journey and asked the drivers to take turns so as not to become drowsy on the road.