Polri's rapid NTT earthquake response reflects Astacita spirit, says observer
This confirms that Polri’s humanitarian commitment is not incidental, but institutional and systemic.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Senior political and legal observer Boni Hargens has assessed that the swift action of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) in handling the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) reflects the spirit of Astacita.
“This is the fundamental anima of the administration of President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, which places the welfare and safety of the people at the core of every state policy,” Boni said in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He said the rapid response and the direct presence of the National Police Chief in the field is not only meaningful for disaster victims in NTT, but also has a significant institutional impact.
Boni said assistance for earthquake victims in Flores has also often been provided by the National Police Chief and his ranks in previous disasters in other regions, such as the flash floods that hit Sumatra some time ago.
Therefore, he said Polri’s response to the NTT earthquake is part of a pattern of consistency that has been demonstrated previously, including the handling of flash floods in Sumatra.
“This confirms that Polri’s humanitarian commitment is not incidental, but institutional and systemic,” he said.
Boni also cited the significance of the synergy between Polri, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and local governments in handling the NTT disaster as a model of national disaster coordination that should serve as a reference for future emergency management.
Accordingly, he expressed deep appreciation for the humanitarian commitment shown by the National Police Chief and all ranks of Polri.
According to him, the National Police Chief’s actions naturally have a significant positive impact on strengthening the image of the Polri institution in public perception in Indonesia.
Polri has ensured that public safety is the police’s top priority in handling the earthquake disaster in NTT.
This was conveyed by National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo while directly inspecting affected locations and evacuation sites in Manggarai Regency and East Manggarai Regency, NTT, on Tuesday (18/8), according to an official statement.
The National Police Chief said that in accordance with the direction of President Prabowo Subianto, Polri together with all relevant elements continues to strengthen disaster management, from search and rescue (SAR), victim evacuation, emergency response handling, health services, to the distribution of logistical aid and basic community needs.
The leader of the Bhayangkara Corps said the police have deployed 236 BKO assistance personnel to the NTT Regional Police and sent 247.66 tonnes of logistical and humanitarian aid originating from Polri Headquarters together with five regional police commands.
In health management, Polri has also ensured services for communities in need of medical treatment or further medical care, including pregnant women approaching childbirth.