Police Affirms Post-Disaster Recovery Efforts in Sumatra: Police Chief
Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo delivers press statement on post-disaster recovery and strategic planning at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base Integrated Command Post, Jakarta, Monday (12/29). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
The Indonesian National Police (Polri) strengthens its commitment to getting further involved in the disaster relief efforts in disaster-hit Sumatra island, particularly in the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra by deploying an addition of 1,500 personnel to accelerate the recovery process in the affected areas.
“Around 1,500 personnel are deployed in Aceh and North Sumatra to help accelerate cleanup efforts of homes, places of worship, schools, and public service sectors. Their tasks also include the installation of bore wells, as well as other necessity,” Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo said in his remarks at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base Integrated Command Post, Jakarta, Monday (12/29).
The Police Chief added that the total number of Polri personnel deployed in humanitarian disaster response operations in Sumatra to date has reached 10,759 personnel. Additional personnel have been prepared in case of follow-up tasks related to infrastructure preparation in the event of the construction of temporary shelters and permanent housing, as conveyed by the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.
In addition, the Polri has also operated a number of emergency kitchens, health posts, and service posts spread across three affected areas in order to support logistics needs and basic services. Polri has also carried out the construction of clean water facilities, including bore wells, in which the constructions are still underway.
“Regarding sanitation, we have prepared two mobile toilet units, constructed 75 public sanitation (public bathing, washing, and toilet) facilities. We have also deployed 32 water tanker trucks, provided 400 clean water tanks, 1,431 jet pumps, and bore wells, with a target of adding 564 more bore wells. The construction of water towers and reservoirs are also currently being pushed forward to meet these needs,” Listyo said.
In the effort to recover infrastructure and people’s mobility, the Polri has opened free motorcycle repair and washing services for vehicles damaged as a result of the disaster. In addition, Polri has been involved in the construction and rehabilitation of bridges in the affected areas, as well as in the distribution of humanitarian aid.
“Helicopters and aircrafts would remain standby to assist with the distribution of logistics, and to date, from the 28th until now, a total of 150.41 tons of logistical supplies have been distributed,” he continued. (BPMI Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/MUR)
