We are very proud of Basarnas` achievement in carrying out its rescue and humanitarian tasks."
Merak, Banten (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono stated on Wednesday that the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) must give top priority to safety and humanity in handling natural disasters.

"We always cooperate with Basarnas in implementing disaster emergency response in the country. Basarnas and other rescue societies have done concrete jobs particularly in the interests of safety and humanity," the President noted at a function marking the agencys 42nd anniversary at the Merak port.

Basarnas officers must have the courage and skill in view of their formidable and risky tasks, he added.

Not everybody is capable of carrying out SAR tasks, he explained.

Indonesia is endowed with abundant natural resources, while on the other hand it is also vulnerable to different natural disasters, he pointed out.

Therefore, the central government, regional governments, disaster mitigation boards, military, police, the Indonesian Red Cross, state electricity firm and other voluntary organizations must be prepared for natural disasters, he reiterated.

"We are very proud of Basarnas achievement in carrying out its rescue and humanitarian tasks," he remarked.

Basarnas will always play an important role in handling disasters in the future, he pointed out.

To carry out the formidable tasks, Basarnas officers must be mentally and physically prepared and have a high level of skill, he added.

All these can be achieved through routine education and training, he noted.

Established on February 28, 1972, Basarnas has 33 chapters in provinces across the country.

In conjunction with Basarnas anniversary this time, President Yudhoyono also officially launched two 59-meter-long catamaran boats, called "KN Pacitan" and "KB Purworejo" respectively, to be operated by the agency.

The new speedboats, with the speed of 29 knots, will be able to operate even in bad weather. The boats also have helipads.

Besides the President, the event was also attended by Coordinating Minister for Political, Law and Security Affairs Djoko Suanto, Coordinating Minister for Peoples Welfare Agung Laksono, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam, and Basarnas Chief Lt.Gen. M. Alfan Baharuddin.

(Reporting by Mansyur/INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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