Police deliver earthquake aid to residents of isolated coastal areas
Cooperation with local fishermen greatly helped the smooth delivery of this logistical evacuation.
Kupang (ANTARA) - A joint National Police (Polri) team has distributed logistical assistance to residents affected by the earthquake in Pasir Panjang Hamlet, Pontianak Village, Boleng Subdistrict, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, an isolated area accessible only by sea.
Head of the Maritime Police Unit of the West Manggarai Police, First Inspector Leonardo Marpaung, speaking from West Manggarai on Tuesday, said the sea route was chosen because land access to Pasir Panjang is extremely limited and cannot be traversed by vehicles.
“We have focused the distribution of aid on the coastal area of Pasir Panjang, Pontianak Village. Given that land access to the location is very limited and impassable by vehicles, we are utilising the Polri maritime fleet so that basic necessities can arrive quickly, safely and on target,” he said.
He said that approximately 23 joint personnel from the Maritime Police Unit of the West Manggarai Police, the Maritime Police Directorate of the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police, and the Maritime Police Corps of the Police Headquarters were deployed for the humanitarian mission.
He explained that the team departed from the Marina Waterfront Pier in Labuan Bajo aboard the Patrol Vessel (KP) Padar 3018, owned by the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police’s Maritime Police Directorate, escorted by a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) 03.
Officers then transferred the aid to local fishing boats and the RIB fleet in the middle of the sea, to be subsequently brought to the shoreline.
“Given the limited port infrastructure for mooring large vessels, the transfer of aid from the patrol vessel to local fishing boats had to be carried out directly at sea. Cooperation with local fishermen has been a great help in ensuring the smooth delivery of this logistical operation,” said Leonardo.
The assistance distributed comprised 60 sacks of SPHP rice, 20 boxes of instant noodles, five boxes of Roma Malkist biscuits, one bale of blankets, one bale of towels, and 10 boxes of Jolly dry tissues.
In addition, Polri distributed 210 pieces of boys’ clothing, 130 pieces of house dresses and women’s clothing, and 100 adult sarongs.
The assistance was handed over to community representatives for subsequent distribution to the heads of families affected by the earthquake in the area.
“Although this assistance remains limited, we hope it can ease the burden and meet the basic needs of residents affected by the earthquake,” said Leonardo.