Navy Regional Command VII/Kupang Requests Patrol Boats for Disaster Response

The Indonesian Navy's Regional Command VII/Kupang has requested President Prabowo Subianto to station at least two patrol boats in Kupang to expedite disaster response in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The request was conveyed by Commander of the Navy Regional Command VII/Kupang, Rear Admiral Joni Sudianto, during a disaster handling meeting via video conference on Monday, September 7. "Currently, we at Kodaeral VII have two patrol boats, but the position of the two boats is in Surabaya," Joni stated. He asked for two FBB-type patrol boats to be stationed in Kupang for immediate deployment during disasters or emergencies. When President Prabowo asked if two boats were sufficient for initial response, Joni replied, "For early countermeasures, the two ships are enough." Joni explained that NTT and NTB, comprising numerous small islands, often find large vessels difficult to operate due to limited facilities. Consequently, Prabowo also inquired about the need for LCM or LCPP type ships capable of supporting movement to smaller islands. Joni affirmed the necessity of these vessels, and Prabowo responded, "If necessary, we will add LCM or LCPP." Previously, NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades had also requested additional ship support to strengthen the region's disaster response capabilities. The move aims to enhance the initial response capacity in the archipelagic province, where swift maritime transport and rescue operations are crucial during disasters.