JAKARTA: Indonesia is deploying humanitarian aid, including logistical support worth US$1 million, to assist relief efforts in Myanmar and Thailand following the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck on Friday (March 28).
In a statement, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the deployment of a specialised Urban Search and Rescue team and an Emergency Medical Team (EMT).
"The aid package also includes essential supplies such as medicines, food, temporary shelters, and clean water purifiers. Response teams are being coordinated to ensure effective delivery based on the needs and priorities of the affected areas,” the statement stated.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed that two Indonesian representatives have joined the Asean-Emergency Response and Assessment Team (Asean-Erat), arriving in Myanmar alongside other Asean members.
"The Indonesian Search and Rescue Team is scheduled to depart for Myanmar on April 1, while the EMT and logistical aid will be sent from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in East Jakarta on April 3,” he said during a Special Emergency Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held virtually on Sunday.
Sugiono also expressed appreciation for the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management for its efforts in mobilising relief assistance.
"Humanitarian aid must be delivered swiftly and inclusively. I urge us all to set aside differences and support one another without exception,” he added.
Given the scale of the disaster, he said that long-term assistance and close coordination among Asean countries would be essential for recovery efforts.
"I extend my deepest condolences to the people of Myanmar and Thailand. Our prayers are with them, and Indonesia stands ready to provide the necessary assistance,” Sugiono added.
During the emergency meeting, Asean foreign ministers agreed to strengthen regional emergency response mechanisms, deploy the Asean-Erat team, and facilitate aid distribution through the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for Asean to ensure swift and effective relief efforts.
They also called for a conducive environment to enable humanitarian assistance and urged national reconciliation efforts in Myanmar to achieve long-term peace, according to the statement. - Bernama
