Evacuating Haze Victims, Indonesian Navy to Deploy Warship
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Kamis, 1 Januari 1970 07:00 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) is backing up the government effort to put out fire in Borneo as they plan to deploy warships for evacuation. "The navy always back up government program and decision," said Chief of Information Department, First Admiral Muhammad Zainuddin on Thursday October 22.
Zainudin said that the navy has several personnel-carrier vessels that can be used for evacuation mission. He added that their warships can also function similarly.
"Indonesian warship can also take on humanitarian mission," he said.
Previously, Coordinating Minister of Politics, Law, and Security, Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, claimed that they are considering evacuating haze victims, especially children. "We are considering using warship and Pelni vessels as temporary evacuation shelters," said Luhut.
The evacuation plan is still waiting for further instruction from health minister regarding the standard of the air quality. The Indonesian Navy will be ready whenever needed.
The haze disaster in Kalimantan and Sumatra is getting worse. Terra Aqua satellite is monitoring 656 hotspots, from previously 633 hotspots, spread in Sumatra today.
INDRA WIJAYA
