Indonesia Rushes Aid to Vanuatu After Devastating Earthquake
Following a notable earthquake that struck Vanuatu on December 17, 2024, the Indonesian government is mobilizing a considerable humanitarian aid package to assist the affected population.The swift response underscores the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno, announced the aid initiative following a high-level ministerial meeting on December 23. He stated, “President Prabowo Subianto called on us to prepare aid for Vanuatu. The country is our important partner, and this humanitarian issue must become our concern.”
The Indonesian government’s commitment extends beyond a simple donation. An advance team from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is scheduled to arrive in Vanuatu on December 24 to coordinate logistics and administrative aspects of the aid delivery. The first phase of aid is slated for arrival on December 27.
Minister Pratikno detailed the extensive nature of the aid package: “The aid for Vanuatu on Friday consists of a Search and Rescue (SAR) team, clean water supply, health services, and reconstruction of basic infrastructure, especially health facilities.”
The Indonesian government is acutely aware of the need to balance international aid with domestic priorities. Pratikno emphasized, “We are sending a different team for Vanuatu, and it does not interfere with our efforts in disaster mitigation in Indonesia.” This reassurance addresses potential concerns about diverting resources from Indonesia’s own disaster preparedness efforts.
The initial aid deployment will include an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) to provide critical medical care, along with essential medical supplies, food, clean water, and other vital equipment. The earthquake impacted an estimated 80,000 people, including over 14,000 children and nearly 800 people with disabilities. The disaster resulted in 18 fatalities, 200 injuries, and left 947 individuals seeking refuge in churches and private homes across several affected areas, including Manples, britano, Kaweriki, and Kona. vanuatu declared a state of emergency from December 17-24, 2024.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian response, Indonesia aims to strengthen its ties with Vanuatu through this collaborative effort.The assistance is intended to alleviate suffering and foster closer relationships within the Pacific region.
The ministerial meeting included key figures such as Minister of Health Budi Gunadi sadikin, Head of BNPB Suharyanto, Head of Basarnas Kusworo, Head of BAIS TNI Yudi Abrimantyo, and representatives from various relevant ministries and agencies.
This aid effort mirrors similar U.S. responses to international disasters, highlighting the global commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.The scale of the aid package underscores the seriousness of the situation in Vanuatu and the importance of international cooperation in times of crisis.
For more information on Indonesia’s disaster relief efforts, please refer to these related news articles: No Indonesians among victims of Vanuatu earthquake: MoFA and Warship finishes humanitarian mission in Vanuatu, sails to PNG.
