TNI deploys additional personnel to assist in search and evacuation of Mount Dukono eruption victims
Ambon (ANTARA) - The TNI has sent additional personnel to assist in the search and evacuation process for victims of the Mount Dukono eruption in North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province, which continues amidst volcanic activity and challenging terrain.
Pangdam XV/Pattimura Major General TNI Doddy Triwinarto in Ternate on Sunday stated that the deployment of personnel follows orders from the Army Chief of Staff (Kasad) General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak to strengthen humanitarian operations at the disaster site.
“Kasad has instructed us to mobilise all potential units under Kodam XV/Pattimura to support humanitarian operations in handling the impacts of the Mount Dukono eruption,” he said.
He explained that the Indonesian Army is acting swiftly to aid in the search, evacuation, and handling of hikers affected by the volcanic eruption.
According to him, Kodam XV/Pattimura has deployed one platoon from Kodim Tobelo, one squad from Koramil Galela, and one platoon from Yonif 732 to reinforce the joint SAR team.
In addition to TNI AD elements, the search and evacuation operations also involve one squad from Basarnas, one platoon from Brimob, one platoon from North Halmahera Police Resort, and support from around 20 local residents.
He said he is personally going to the field to lead and coordinate the humanitarian operations alongside Basarnas, Polri, BPBD, local government, and community volunteers.
Preliminary data indicates that 20 hikers were in the Mount Dukono area, comprising 11 Indonesian citizens (WNI) and nine foreigners (WNA).
Of these, 17 have been successfully rescued, consisting of 10 WNI and seven WNA, while three have been declared deceased, namely one WNI and two WNA.
In relation to this, he emphasised that Kasad has requested all personnel on duty to prioritise safety during the search and evacuation process.
“Kasad has stressed that all personnel must continue to pay attention to safety factors, given that volcanic activity at Mount Dukono is still occurring and poses potential dangers,” he said.
He added that conditions around Mount Dukono have not yet necessitated the evacuation of residents. Nevertheless, locals are advised to remain vigilant against volcanic ash exposure by wearing masks when outdoors.
Meanwhile, all surviving WNI victims have returned to their respective families, while the surviving WNA victims are currently in Ternate awaiting flights to Jakarta.
“The Indonesian Army through Kodam XV/Pattimura will continue to be present to assist the community and fully support all humanitarian operation processes until declared complete,” he stated.