Pelni provides free logistics aid delivery for NTT earthquake victims

PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Pelni) has prepared free logistics aid shipping access for communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to accelerate the distribution of basic necessities through its ship network.

“This facility is a form of Pelni’s concern to help accelerate the distribution of basic necessities for communities in disaster-affected areas,” said Hana Suhardi, Director of Freight and Sea Toll Business and Chair of the Pelni Aid Post Team for NTT, in a confirmed statement in Jakarta on Sunday.

Through the programme, the state-owned shipping company accepts aid goods from various regions of Indonesia to be transported using Pelni passenger ships according to their regular routes.

Aid that can be shipped includes essential items needed by affected communities such as food, bottled drinking water, tents, tarpaulins, blankets, sleeping equipment, lighting, medicines and medical equipment, child and adult nappies, sanitary pads, milk and baby food.

He said the free shipping facility is a form of Pelni’s contribution in supporting the handling of communities affected by the earthquake in NTT.

“We are opening free aid shipping access so that aid can be distributed more easily. We are ready to utilise Pelni’s shipping network to help accelerate the distribution of humanitarian logistics to affected areas,” said Hana.

Hana explained that aid shipments will follow Pelni’s regular routes and schedules. Initial shipments will be made using KM Tidar, which is scheduled to depart from Surabaya on Sunday (16/8) at 22.00 WIB.