Indonesia Proposes Unified National SAR Command to Enhance Life-Saving Efforts

Proposal for Centralized SAR Authority

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno, announced a proposal for a single, centralized national command for search and rescue (SAR) operations. The suggestion was made during a discussion in Jakarta on Thursday, February 12, 2026, focusing on strengthening the role of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).

Minister Pratikno emphasized the critical need to shift focus from merely searching for victims to prioritizing rescue and life-saving efforts. He highlighted that a more integrated SAR command is essential for the rapid and unhindered mobilization of assets and resources from various ministries and state agencies during emergencies, aiming to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles.

Addressing Operational Challenges

The proposal seeks to grant the chief of Basarnas stronger authority to effectively coordinate joint rescue-centered operations. Pratikno underscored the urgency of SAR operations, noting that victims' chances of survival are significantly higher within the '72-hour golden window'.

Indonesia, an archipelago nation, faces heightened risks from increasingly frequent disasters, exacerbated by climate change. This context has led to increased public scrutiny, particularly on social media, regarding the effectiveness and speed of SAR operations. Pratikno stressed that beyond individual bravery, a solid command system, adequate infrastructure, and reliable technology and human resources are equally critical.

Current SAR Landscape and Resource Needs

Currently, Indonesia's SAR activities are primarily handled by the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), a non-ministerial government institution directly accountable to the President. Basarnas is tasked with coordinating and conducting SAR operations for maritime and aeronautical distress, as well as other disasters. The country also has the National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB), established in 2008, which coordinates broader disaster management efforts.

Despite its crucial role, Basarnas operates across a vast territory of five million square kilometers with approximately 5,462 personnel stationed across 45 SAR offices, serving a population of around 280 million citizens spread across thousands of islands. Pratikno reiterated the importance of establishing a centralized command structure capable of mobilizing all state institutions, including the police and military, to contribute resources to SAR operations, and called for greater resource support for Basarnas.