National Police Deploy 260 Personnel to Support Flores Earthquake Response

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Police has deployed 260 personnel to strengthen emergency response efforts following the 7.7‑magnitude earthquake in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara.

The police dispatched 137 personnel in the first phase via Soekarno‑Hatta International Airport on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The deployment focuses on supporting evacuations, victim searches, medical services, and disaster victim identification. The National Police is also providing logistical assistance and security to accelerate relief efforts in the affected areas.

The Head of the National Police’s Public Relations Division, Police Ins. Gen. Johnny Eddizon Isir, said 137 personnel were sent in the initial phase. “On Sunday, additional personnel, including K9 units, will be dispatched from Pondok Cabe,” Johnny said in a written statement on Sunday, August 16.

Of the total personnel, 101 are from the Mobile Brigade’s Search and Rescue Unit (SAR Brimob), and 14 are from the Police’s Disaster Victim Identification-Medical and Health Unit (DVI‑Dokkes).

The remaining personnel consist of nine Public Relations officers, three Logistics Staff members, and 10 officers from the Professional Standards and Security Division (Propam).

“The Police’s main priority at this time is to ensure public safety and carry out evacuations. We are also ensuring that the needs of affected communities are addressed immediately,” Johnny said.

Earlier, the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Police instructed District Police Chiefs in affected areas to visit the disaster sites with relevant stakeholders. Aid command posts have also been established in safe locations to support evacuation, shelter, and aid distribution.

The National Police Headquarters has deployed a company‑level Brimob SAR unit from the Pioneer Forces. The unit is equipped with search‑and‑rescue gear and reinforced by medical personnel and doctors.

A DVI‑Dokkes team has also been mobilized to support victim care and identification. Assistance will be adjusted to conditions and needs on the ground.

K9 teams have been deployed to help search for victims in collapsed buildings. They will deploy in phases based on field requirements and transportation readiness.

Johnny emphasized that public safety remains the Police’s top priority. “The National Police will continue to be present to provide maximum support,” he said.

Disaster response efforts are being carried out in coordination with the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), local administrations, and other relevant agencies.

National Police Headquarters continues to monitor developments to align central support with Flores' needs. (Gusti Panji)