Jakarta – An Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) patrol vessel arrived safely in North Aceh carrying 92.2 tonnes of disaster relief aid on Tuesday.
The patrol vessel, the KN Pulau Dana-323, was welcomed by North Aceh regent Ismail A Jalil and other regency officials at Krueng Geukeuh Port in Dewantara district, North Aceh regency. The port is located just outside the city of Lhokseumawe.
Lt. Col. Umar Dhani, commanding officer of the KN Pulau Dana, said the humanitarian mission was a direct order from Bakamla chief Vice Adm. Irvansyah, as a form of the state's concerns for the people affected by natural disasters in northern part of Sumatra, especially in Aceh,
"The humanitarian aid we bring today is the result of donations from Bakamla personnel in collaboration with residents of Batam city, related institutions and also residents of Riau Islands province, who work simultaneously to help our compatriots in Sumatra," Umar said, as quoted by a press release issued by Bakamla on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Ismail conveyed his appreciation and deep gratitude to Bakamla for the attention and assistance.
"From a total of 27 districts in North Aceh, 25 districts are affected by landslides and floods," he said, as quoted by the press release.
"Our residents really need the donations given by Bakamla."
KN Pulau Dana was sent off by Bakamla's director of maritime air operations Cdre. Bambang Somantri Macgobar Pier in Batam, Riau Islands, on Dec. 18. The patrol vessel carried various necessities including cooking oil, instant noodles and mineral water.
"We also included medicines, baby supplies, sleeping supplies and electronics such as generators and rice cookers," Bambang said.
Previously, KN Pulau Nipah-321 carrying 70 tonnes of aid departed from Pier 99 in Batu Ampar, Batam on Dec. 11.
The aid carried by KN Nipah included various food, sanitary and health supplies, clothing, sleeping supplies, baby supplies and emergency equipment.
KN Pulau Nipah and KN Pulau Dana are part of the three-ship 80-meter Pulau Nipah-class patrol vessels. The class also includes KN Pulau Marore-322.
Constructed by domestic private shipyard PT Citra Shipyard, the vessels in this class are 80 meters long with a beam of 14.4 meters. The patrol vessels have a top speed of 22 knots (40.74 kilometers per hour). (nvn)