JAKARTA (May 14th, 2024) – Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) in terms of Search and Rescue (SAR) operation for disaster vistims at the Basarnas Building, Jakarta, on Tuesday Afternoon (14/5). The cooperation has been running and the MoU is signed every 5 years to be extended or resumed.

“We have been cooperating for a long time and it has been completed. And now we extend it,” said Minister of Social Affairs Risma in Jakarta on Tuesday (14/5).

Social Affairs Minister Risma said that the Ministry of Social Affairs and the National Search and Rescue Agency always collaborate especially in handling disasters in Indonesia. When the disaster occurred, the team from the National Search and Rescue Agency directly moved to search and rescue the victims, while the Ministry of Social Affairs prepared all the victims' needs such as tents and various needs in emergency camps.

Social Affairs Minister Risma also appreciates the hard work of the National Search and Rescue Agency in handling disasters in the field. “I know exactly because I’m also often at the field. Basarnas also opened the way for MoSA to help the victims. In difficult conditions, dark conditions, and unimaginable conditions, the team from Basarnas always be there,” said the Minister of Social Affairs.

In handling disasters, Tagana or Disaster Response Volunteers are always ready to help the search and rescue operation. It is appreciated by the Head of National Search and Rescue Agency Marsdya TNI Kusworo. “The collaboration between Basarnas and Mosa has been running well and smoothly. It is proved that the Ministry of Social Affairs always active to support us in search and rescue operation. One of them is by the involving of Tagana who are under MoSA in a various SAR operation, including SAR Training,” said Kusworo.

Kusworo hopes that the cooperation between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the National Search and Rescue Agency marked by the signing of the MoU, can further optimize the collaboration between MoSA and Basarnas. This cooperation is certainly expected to provide more benefits for the community.