House Vice Speakers, M. Azis Syamsuddin and Rahmat Gobel visited the Crisis Center of the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) at the JICT Dock II Tanjung Priok . Photo: Mario/Rini

House Vice Speakers, M. Azis Syamsuddin and Rahmat Gobel visited the Crisis Center of the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) at the JICT Dock II Tanjung Priok Port to express their support and appreciation to the Search and Rescue team of the crashed Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182. The flight was flying from Jakarta to Pontianak City in West Kalimantan when the accident happened. 

“On behalf of the House Leaders, I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences over the tragic accident of Sriwijaya Air flight SJ 182. I would also like to express my appreciation to Basarnas and team for their hard work during the rescue operation by collecting 22 body bags containing the victim’s body parts and aircraft materials (today). So far, they have collected 40 body bags,” Syamsuddin stated during his visit, Monday (11/1/2021). 

The Vice Speaker for Politics and Security hoped that the airline could offer assistance to the victims’ families and provide all things needed during their stay in Jakarta for DNA test. “I urge Sriwijaya Air to provide the necessary needs including decent food and accommodation for the victims’ families to help ease their burdens. All the assistance provided must follow health protocols,” Syamsuddin affirmed. 

The Golkar Party politician also asked the search and rescue team including the Press, Basarnas, Military, Police, Red Cross, and the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), as well as any other parties joining the rescue operation to always stay fit and keep safe to prevent the spread of COVID-19 which has been on the rise recently. 

“Please also keep implementing health protocols while undertaking rescue efforts of the ill-fated plane. We do not want to cause new problems as we fail to maintain physical distancing and eat meals regularly,” Syamsuddin reminded. (tn/sf)