Pelni Baubau offers free aid shipment for NTT earthquake victims

PT PELNI (Persero) Baubau Branch, Southeast Sulawesi, has opened a free humanitarian aid delivery service for communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to accelerate the distribution of essential supplies in the disaster area.

Head of PT PELNI Baubau Branch M. Lutfi Israr Sutan said the policy is a directive from central management in coordination with the Ministry of Transportation and the Directorate General of Sea Transportation.

“PT PELNI is concerned about the earthquake in NTT. Through this programme, we accept aid goods from various regions and transport them using PELNI passenger ships free of charge,” said Lutfi.

He noted that the humanitarian aid delivery utilises regular routes and ports of call served by PELNI vessels. Commodities that can be shipped include food, bottled drinking water, tents, tarpaulins, blankets, sleeping equipment, lighting equipment, medicines, medical supplies, and daily necessities for infants and adults.

Shipping requirements mandate an official cover letter from an institution, agency, or community, accompanied by a detailed packing list specifying the type and quantity of aid.

“Our hope is that if there is aid to be distributed, the relevant parties can submit an official letter first so that we can facilitate it. Based on that letter, we will immediately follow up,” he said.

He added that aid goods must be tightly and securely packed using cardboard boxes, sacks, or crates. Fragile items must be marked FRAGILE. Conversely, items that are explosive, flammable, contain hazardous chemicals, or could potentially disrupt shipping safety are strictly prohibited.

“To date, PELNI Baubau Branch has not received large-scale aid shipments from local agencies or communities. However, a number of volunteers from Baubau have departed for the disaster-affected area in NTT aboard KM Tidar,” he said.

He added that members of the public or institutions wishing to use this free delivery service can contact the nearest PELNI branch office, the PELNI Contact Centre at 021-162, or the official WhatsApp service at 0811-1621-162.