RRI.CO.ID, Balikpapan - The Australian Consulate-General and the Class A Balikpapan Search and Rescue Office (KPP Balikpapan/Basarnas or National Search and Rescue Centar) in East Kalimantan have agreed to bolster cooperation in emergency response to streamline search, rescue, and medical evacuation operations, particularly those involving foreign nationals.

The partnership was underscored during an official delegation visit led by Deputy Australian Consul-General Ana Mogaldeanu and Consular Manager Mario Fahrevi to KPP Balikpapan headquarters on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

"This meeting represents a strategic step to improve communication and cooperation in emergency management, particularly involving Australian citizens within Indonesian territory," Ana Mogaldeanu stated in Balikpapan on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

During the audience, Head of KPP Balikpapan Dody Setiawan outlined the agency’s search and rescue (SAR) capabilities across East Kalimantan, including operational coverage supporting the ongoing development of Nusantara Capital City (IKN).

Bilateral discussions focused on establishing clear joint coordination channels for industrial and mining accidents, medical evacuations (medevac), tourism-related emergencies, and maritime distress incidents off the coast of East Kalimantan.

Delegates also toured KPP Balikpapan’s 24-hour Command Center to review real-time incident reporting systems, dispatch protocols, and communication networks, followed by an inspection of specialized SAR heavy equipment and routine rescuer training drills.

Basarnas officials emphasized that formalizing communication protocols with international diplomatic missions reduces response delays when foreign citizens require urgent rescue or evacuation.

Dody Setiawan highlighted that closer bilateral synergy ensures faster, more professional, and highly coordinated rescue operations regardless of nationality. The visit provides an opportunity to expand international cooperation networks, strengthen institutional communication, and open opportunities for collaboration in human resource capacity building, information sharing, and joint SAR operational experience.

"This cooperation is expected to support the enhancement of Basarnas service quality, remaining adaptive to the dynamics of emergency response at both national and international levels," Dody added. ***